Colorado School of Mines vs United States Air Force Academy
United States Air Force Academy is highly selective with a 13.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Colorado School of Mines (59.7%).
Admissions & Outcomes
United States Air Force Academy has a higher yield rate (79.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Colorado School of Mines has a higher median SAT (1400 vs 1350).
Golden, CO
USAF Academy, CO
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Colorado School of Mines
- 1 Computer Science$78,971
- 2 Mining and Mineral Engineering$77,715
- 3 Petroleum Engineering$77,213
- 4 Mathematics$71,854
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,886
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Colorado School of Mines
- 1 Mechanical Engineering
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Chemical Engineering
- 4 Civil Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
United States Air Force Academy
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 3 International/Global Studies
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Systems Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Colorado School of Mines
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$37,350
- Est. total cost/year$54,520
- School typePublic
United States Air Force Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)N/A
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colorado School of Mines or United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy is more selective with a 13.9% acceptance rate, compared to 59.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado School of Mines vs United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.1%, compared to 80.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Colorado School of Mines or United States Air Force Academy?
Colorado School of Mines has a larger international student population at 8% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Colorado School of Mines and United States Air Force Academy?
At Colorado School of Mines, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $78,971 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.