Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
61%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1320–1480
Undergrad enrollment
6,155
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$28,690
In-state tuition
$21,914
Out-of-state tuition
$45,824
Location
Golden, CO
ACT Range
30–34
SAT Range
1320–1480
Average GPA
3.85–4.00 (unweighted)
Notable Fact
Ties with CU Boulder for grad earnings in engineering
Acceptance Rate
~60%
Net Price (After Aid)
$29,425–$36,722
Median Starting Salary
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines's acceptance rate is approximately 61% (Golden, CO), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Colorado School of Mines?
Admitted students at Colorado School of Mines typically score 1320–1480 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Colorado School of Mines cost?
At Colorado School of Mines, the average net price (after aid) is about $28,690 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines enrolls approximately 6,155 undergraduate students.
Where is Colorado School of Mines located?
Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, CO.
Colorado School of Mines is a powerhouse for STEM education, particularly in engineering and earth sciences, with a reputation for rigorous academics and strong industry ties. Nestled in Golden, Colorado, it attracts students who thrive on challenge and hands-on learning, offering a tight-knit community where nerdiness is celebrated. Graduates command impressive salaries, but the school’s intensity isn’t for the faint of heart.
Admissions
Mines is somewhat selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 60% (sources vary between 59.6% and 61%). Admitted students typically boast strong academic credentials: an average unweighted GPA of 3.85–4.00, SAT scores between 1320–1480, and ACT scores of 30–34. The school is test-optional, though submitting scores can strengthen an application. Demographically, the student body is 32% women, 27.4% underrepresented students, and 18.4% first-generation—a nod to efforts to diversify a historically male-dominated field.
Mines is synonymous with rigor, especially in engineering, computer science, and earth sciences. The curriculum is hands-on and research-driven, with faculty described as 'passionate' and 'highly respected.' Popular majors include various engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, petroleum) and computer science. The school’s reputation for difficulty is well-earned—students frequently cite the workload as intense but rewarding, with a focus on solving real-world problems. One Reddit user summed it up: 'It’s seen as a difficult and serious school.'
Life at Mines is a mix of nerdy enthusiasm and outdoor adventure, thanks to its Golden location near the Rockies. Social life revolves around Greek life (for partiers) and clubs like robotics or hiking (for everyone else). Traditions like 'M Days' (a week of quirky competitions) and international cultural festivals add flavor. The vibe is collaborative but intense, with students bonding over shared struggles. As one Redditor put it: 'Nerdiness is at 100.' The administration has acknowledged challenges with campus diversity and inclusion, pledging to address systemic issues.
Mines delivers stellar ROI: 87% of bachelor’s grads land jobs or pursue advanced degrees, with a median starting salary of $76,400. Graduation rates are solid (82% within six years), and alumni often secure roles at top engineering firms or energy companies. Notably, Mines grads tie with University of Colorado Boulder engineering alumni in median earnings, underscoring the school’s strong industry reputation. Debt is relatively manageable, with a median student debt of $23,000.
Mines isn’t cheap, but 42.3% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $20,443. The net price (after aid) is ~$29,425–$36,722, depending on the source. Scholarships, grants, and loans are available, though the school encourages using its net price calculator for personalized estimates. Tuition hikes are a recurring concern, but the strong post-grad salaries help offset costs.
Mines is unapologetically specialized—a top-tier STEM incubator where students geek out over geothermal energy and algorithms. Its industry connections (particularly in energy and aerospace) are unmatched in the region, and the small, collaborative environment fosters deep mentorship. But it’s not for everyone: the workload is brutal, the gender imbalance persists, and Golden’s quiet charm won’t rival Boulder’s vibrancy. For those who thrive here, though, the payoff is a gold-standard degree and a tight alumni network that opens doors globally.
Colorado School of Mines logo · sourceColorado School of Mines - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges · sourceColorado School of Mines - Golden, CO | Appily · sourceMines is No. 1 national university in Colorado: U.S. News and World Report | Colorado School of Mines | Newsroom · source
