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Colorado School of Mines vs University of Denver

Colorado School of Mines is a public university in Golden, CO. University of Denver is a private university in Denver, CO. Colorado School of Mines admits about 61% of applicants and University of Denver about 78%, making Colorado School of Mines the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,690 a year at Colorado School of Mines after aid, and about $36,131 at University of Denver. About 81% of students graduate at Colorado School of Mines, compared with 77% at University of Denver. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado School of Mines alumni earn a median of about $97,335, against $71,155 for University of Denver.

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Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public

University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Golden, CO
Denver, CO
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,155
6,025
Acceptance rate
61%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1480
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$36,131
Full cost / yr
$40,560
$78,476
In-state tuition
$21,914
$61,398
Out-of-state tuition
$45,824
$61,398
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,849
$20,097
$30k - $48k
$18,162
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$22,192
$22,940
$75k - $110k
$28,183
$31,759
Over $110k
$35,112
$47,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
77%
Freshman retention
93%
89%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$82,950
$57,118
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,335
$71,155
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$21,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
14%
First-generation students
15%
19%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is harder to get into. It admits about 61% of applicants, compared with 78% at University of Denver. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,690 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,131 at University of Denver. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colorado School of Mines and University of Denver?
Before aid, Colorado School of Mines costs about $40,560 a year and University of Denver about $78,476. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,849 there, against about $20,097 at University of Denver. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver?
Colorado School of Mines is the larger of the two, with about 6,155 undergraduates against 6,025 at University of Denver.
Does Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver have a better graduation rate?
Colorado School of Mines has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 77% at University of Denver.
Do graduates of Colorado School of Mines or University of Denver earn more?
Colorado School of Mines alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,335 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,155 for University of Denver. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado School of Mines and University of Denver require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado School of Mines is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Denver is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colorado School of Mines and University of Denver look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1480 at Colorado School of Mines and 1240–1410 at University of Denver. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school