Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs Colorado State University Pueblo
Compare average net price ($28,690 at Colorado School of Mines; $10,051 at Colorado State University Pueblo), ROI score (8.48 vs 13.82), ten-year median earnings ($97,335 vs $55,563), and admissions selectivity (60.7% acceptance at Colorado School of Mines; 94.9% at Colorado State University Pueblo) using federal College Scorecard data. Colorado School of Mines has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Colorado State University Pueblo 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 Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 13.82 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $10,051 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $55,563 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% ✓ | 94.9% |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 39.7% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $21,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 3,042 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 ✓ | 1120 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $18,639 more per year than Colorado State University Pueblo ($28,690 vs $10,051). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $41,772 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $55,563). On EduGradify's model that puts Colorado State University Pueblo ahead on projected ROI (13.82 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Colorado State University Pueblo) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado School of Mines is accessible at 60.7% acceptance versus 94.9% (accessible) at Colorado State University Pueblo.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs Colorado State University Pueblo, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or Colorado State University Pueblo the better value?
Colorado State University Pueblo has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.82 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Colorado State University Pueblo is cheaper — average net price $10,051 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $18,639 adds up to about $74,556 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $55,563 at Colorado State University Pueblo. The annual gap in the federal data is $41,772.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective at 60.7% acceptance vs 94.9% at Colorado State University Pueblo.
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 Pueblo reports A.