Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Compare average net price ($28,690 at Colorado School of Mines; $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins), ROI score (8.48 vs 7.11), ten-year median earnings ($97,335 vs $60,543), and admissions selectivity (60.7% acceptance at Colorado School of Mines; 88.5% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins) using federal College Scorecard data. Colorado School of Mines has a 4-2 metric-level edge. Colorado School of Mines leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Colorado School of Mines | Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 ✓ | 7.11 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $21,279 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $60,543 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% ✓ | 88.5% |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 66.5% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $20,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 25,538 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $7,411 more per year than Colorado State University-Fort Collins ($28,690 vs $21,279). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $36,792 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $60,543). On EduGradify's model that puts Colorado School of Mines ahead on projected ROI (8.48 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Colorado School of Mines) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Colorado School of Mines is accessible at 60.7% acceptance versus 88.5% (accessible) at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or Colorado State University-Fort Collins the better value?
Colorado School of Mines has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.48 vs 7.11), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is cheaper — average net price $21,279 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $7,411 adds up to about $29,644 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $60,543 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. The annual gap in the federal data is $36,792.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective at 60.7% acceptance vs 88.5% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Colorado School of Mines reports a B value grade; Colorado State University-Fort Collins reports C.