Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Colorado School of Mines, 3 for University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Colorado School of Mines 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 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 8.66 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $15,788 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $54,659 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% ✓ | 97.4% |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 46.9% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $20,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 8,697 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 ✓ | 1133 |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $12,902 more per year than University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($28,690 vs $15,788). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $42,676 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $54,659). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Colorado Springs ahead on projected ROI (8.66 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Colorado Colorado Springs) 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 97.4% (accessible) at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or University of Colorado Colorado Springs the better value?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.66 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper — average net price $15,788 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $12,902 adds up to about $51,608 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $54,659 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The annual gap in the federal data is $42,676.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective at 60.7% acceptance vs 97.4% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
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; University of Colorado Colorado Springs reports B.