
Colorado School of Mines
Our campus in Golden, Colorado, is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Acceptance rate
60.7%
SAT (mid 50%)
1320–1480
Avg net price
$28,690
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Colorado School of Mines admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Colorado School of Mines admitted 60.7% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1320–1480 on the SAT and 29–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Colorado School of Mines actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Engineering and Applied Science for a Prosperous Future
At Mines, be accepted for who you are, and with the support of our faculty and groundbreaking research facilities, explore what truly drives you to make a difference.
Mines primarily serves a full-time undergraduate student body through a four-year, residential academic experience focused on engineering and applied sciences.
- Chemical EngineeringTechnical expertise, foundational knowledge
- Computer ScienceSTEM-focused, industry partnerships
- Quantitative Biosciences and EngineeringInnovation, research opportunities
Verified from mines.edu and undergraduate-admissions.mines.edu and mines.edu and mines.edu and admissions.mines.edu and mines.edu and mines.edu and mines.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from mines.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $40,560. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $28,690.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $97,335.
Verified from mines.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Mechanical Engineering27% of degrees
- Computer Science18% of degrees
- Chemical Engineering12% of degrees
- Civil Engineering7% of degrees
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering7% of degrees
- Metallurgical Engineering5% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Hike the M, celebrate E-Days, then collaborate on a Capstone project, a Tuesday here is filled with tradition and innovation.”
Take a tour of our beautiful campus in Golden, Colorado, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Colorado School of Mines?
- Is Colorado School of Mines test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Colorado School of Mines is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Colorado School of Mines?
- Very hard. Colorado School of Mines admits 60.7% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320 to 1480 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Colorado School of Mines cost?
- The list price is about $40,560. After aid, families pay $28,690 on average.
- Is Colorado School of Mines worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $97,335 ten years after enrolling. 81% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Colorado School of Mines.
Spike answers from Colorado School of Mines’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.