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Colorado School of Mines vs University of Northern Colorado

Colorado School of Mines is a public university in Golden, CO, and University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, CO. Colorado School of Mines is the more selective of the two, admitting about 61% of applicants against 86% at University of Northern Colorado. University of Northern Colorado is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,760 a year against $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. About 81% of students graduate at Colorado School of Mines, compared with 51% at University of Northern Colorado. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado School of Mines alumni earn a median of about $97,335, against $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado.

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Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Golden, CO
Greeley, CO
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,155
5,598
Acceptance rate
61%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1480
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$17,760
Full cost / yr
$40,560
$29,254
In-state tuition
$21,914
$12,416
Out-of-state tuition
$45,824
$27,266
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,849
$12,695
$30k - $48k
$18,162
$13,290
$48k - $75k
$22,192
$16,038
$75k - $110k
$28,183
$18,441
Over $110k
$35,112
$24,306
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
51%
Freshman retention
93%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$82,950
$43,756
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,335
$52,231
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$20,470
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
26%
First-generation students
15%
35%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 1

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 Northern Colorado harder to get into?
Colorado School of Mines is harder to get into. It admits about 61% of applicants, compared with 86% at University of Northern Colorado. 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 Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,760 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. 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 Northern Colorado?
Before aid, University of Northern Colorado costs about $29,254 a year and Colorado School of Mines about $40,560. 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 Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,695 there, against about $16,849 at Colorado School of Mines. 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 Northern Colorado?
Colorado School of Mines is the larger of the two, with about 6,155 undergraduates against 5,598 at University of Northern Colorado.
Does Colorado School of Mines or University of Northern Colorado have a better graduation rate?
Colorado School of Mines has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 51% at University of Northern Colorado.
Do graduates of Colorado School of Mines or University of Northern Colorado earn more?
Colorado School of Mines alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,335 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado School of Mines and University of Northern Colorado 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 Northern Colorado 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 Northern Colorado look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1480 at Colorado School of Mines and 950–1190 at University of Northern Colorado. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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