Colorado School of Mines

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72.9
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
66.7
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
79.2
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
70.7
U.S. News - National Universities
68.4
Forbes
60.9
Washington Monthly National
Student Reviews
90.4
Unigo
85.8
U.S. News - Reviews
84.6
Grad Reports
74.5
Niche
60.7
My Plan
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
58%
Percent Admitted
65%
4-year Graduation Rate
7,403
Enrollment
17.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$11,504
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$20,040
In-State Tuition and Fees
$42,120
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Public, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

The Colorado School of Mines is a public, 4-year school located in Golden CO. The school was founded in 1874, as the town of Golden was a supply center for miners and settlers in the Colorado Territory. In 1879, the idea of merging the school with the State University in Boulder was considered, but it was determined not to be in the best interest of all parties. The 370 acre campus features a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging from “Second Empire” to “Postmodernist.” The campus features a main quad called Kafadar Commons as well as tree-lined pathways. The campus is near South Table Mountain Park, with boasts Castle Rock, a popular outdoor destination. Among notable alumni is Arden L. Bement, Jr, former Director of the National Science Foundation.

Academic Programs

The Colorado School of Mines is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, post-master Certificates and Doctorates in 4 primary areas of study. The school is comprised of three colleges with a total of 14 academic departments: College of Applied Science and Engineering; College of Engineering and Computational Sciences; and College of Earth Resource Sciences and Engineering. The largest program on campus is Engineering, with Petroleum Engineering and Mechanical Engineering being the most popular disciplines. Per the Mission Statement, “Colorado School of Mines educates students and creates knowledge to address the needs and aspirations of the world’s growing population. Mines embraces engineering, the sciences, and associated fields related to the discovery and recovery of the Earth’s resources, the conversion of resources to materials and energy, development of advanced processes and products, fundamental knowledge and technologies that support the physical and biological sciences, and the economic, social and environmental systems necessary for a sustainable global society. Mines empowers, and holds accountable, its faculty, students, and staff to achieve excellence in its academic programs, its research, and in its application of knowledge for the development of technology.”

Student Life

There are over 4,600 undergraduate students enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines, many living on campus among the 8 residence halls and living communities. The School sponsors several clubs and student organizations, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the blue and silver Orediggers, led by Marvin the Miner & Blaster the Burro, field teams in 10 sports and participate in NCAA Division II competition. Each Spring semester, “E-Days” (Engineering Days) is a 3-day festival featuring the ‘Ore Cart Pull.’ Freshmen are encouraged to participate in the “M-Climb” as a rite of passage. Students understand the stated Core Values of the school: collaboration, integrity, perseverance, creativity, life-long learning and a responsibility for developing a better world. “The Mines student graduates with a strong sense of integrity, intellectual curiosity, demonstrated ability to get a job done in collaborative environments, passion to achieve goals, and an enhanced sense of responsibility to promote positive change in the world.” As the Mission Statement concludes: ‘Education and research in engineering and science to solve the world’s challenges related to the earth, energy and the environment.’

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.