Head-to-head · 2026
Colorado School of Mines vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Compare average net price ($28,690 at Colorado School of Mines; $11,900 at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus), ROI score (8.48 vs 13.50), ten-year median earnings ($97,335 vs $64,270), and admissions selectivity (60.7% acceptance at Colorado School of Mines; 74.7% at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Colorado School of Mines has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 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 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.48 | 13.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $11,900 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $97,335 ✓ | $64,270 |
| Acceptance rate | 60.7% ✓ | 74.7% |
| Graduation rate | 81.7% ✓ | 46.2% |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $20,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,155 | 10,519 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1412 ✓ | 1116 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Colorado School of Mines costs $16,790 more per year than University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ($28,690 vs $11,900). Colorado School of Mines graduates report $33,065 higher median earnings after ten years ($97,335 vs $64,270). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 8.48, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus) 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 74.7% (accessible) at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus.
Frequently asked
Colorado School of Mines vs University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Colorado School of Mines or University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus the better value?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 8.48), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is cheaper — average net price $11,900 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $16,790 adds up to about $67,160 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $64,270 at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,065.
Which school is harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is more selective at 60.7% acceptance vs 74.7% at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus.
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 Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus reports A.