Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs Community College of Aurora
Compare average net price ($28,690 at Colorado School of Mines; $8,656 at Community College of Aurora), ROI score (8.48 vs 12.88), ten-year median earnings ($97,335 vs $44,592), and admissions context (60.7% at Colorado School of Mines; Open / not reported at Community College of Aurora) using federal College Scorecard data. Community College of Aurora has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Community College of Aurora 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 | Community College of Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 12.88 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $8,656 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $44,592 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 33.5% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $10,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 3,250 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $20,034 more per year than Community College of Aurora ($28,690 vs $8,656). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $52,743 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $44,592). On EduGradify's model that puts Community College of Aurora ahead on projected ROI (12.88 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Community College of Aurora) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado School of Mines reports 60.7% acceptance; Community College of Aurora does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs Community College of Aurora, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or Community College of Aurora the better value?
Community College of Aurora has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.88 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Community College of Aurora is cheaper — average net price $8,656 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $20,034 adds up to about $80,136 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $44,592 at Community College of Aurora. The annual gap in the federal data is $52,743.
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; Community College of Aurora reports A.