Colorado School of Mines vs University of Denver
Colorado School of Mines is moderately selective with a 59.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Denver (71.2%). Graduates of Colorado School of Mines earn $26,180 more per year at the 10-year mark ($97,335 vs $71,155). For families earning $48k–$75k, Colorado School of Mines is more affordable at $22,192 net price vs $22,940. Students at University of Denver graduate with less debt ($21,844 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Colorado School of Mines has a higher yield rate (24.7%), 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 1320).
Golden, CO
Denver, 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. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Colorado School of Mines is more affordable at $16,849 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $35,112 vs $47,222.
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. University of Denver enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
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
University of Denver
- 1 Computer Science$74,576
- 2 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$69,338
- 3 Mechanical Engineering$65,905
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services$62,012
- 5 Marketing$49,918
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
University of Denver
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Biology, General
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
University of Denver
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$52,596
- Est. total cost/year$67,953
- 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 University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective with a 59.7% acceptance rate, compared to 71.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $97,335 compared to $71,155. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Colorado School of Mines has a lower net price at $22,192 per year vs $22,940. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado School of Mines vs University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 80.9%, compared to 76.8%. 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 University of Denver?
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 University of Denver?
At Colorado School of Mines, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $78,971 within two years. At University of Denver, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $74,576. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.