Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs Lamar Community College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Colorado School of Mines, 3 for Lamar Community College — Lamar Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Colorado School of Mines | Lamar Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 10.57 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $9,161 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $38,719 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 54.7% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $8,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 400 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $19,529 more per year than Lamar Community College ($28,690 vs $9,161). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $58,616 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $38,719). On EduGradify's model that puts Lamar Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.57 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Lamar Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Colorado School of Mines reports 60.7% acceptance; Lamar Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs Lamar Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or Lamar Community College the better value?
Lamar Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.57 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lamar Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,161 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $19,529 adds up to about $78,116 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $38,719 at Lamar Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $58,616.
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; Lamar Community College reports B.