Quick Summary
Since 1874, Colorado School of Mines has been one of United States's prominent public research universitys, based in Golden. Ranked #461 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 7608 students including 10.4% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Mineral and Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Earth and Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 58%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
World-renowned expertise in mining and resource engineering with one of the highest returns on investment for graduates.
Subject Strengths
Mineral and Mining EngineeringPetroleum EngineeringEarth and Marine SciencesGeophysics
Founded1874
TypePublic Research University
Total Students7608
Intl Students10.4%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusSuburban
Campus Size373 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC), ABET
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#461
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Graduate Certificates
Programs
Advanced Energy Systems, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geology and Geological Engineering, Hydrology, Physics
PhD Programs
Space Resources, Data Science, CyberSecurity, Civil Engineering
Online Programs
Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy, Renewable Energy Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (REMRSEC), Payne Institute for Public Policy
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ABET
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate58%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3.75
GRERequired for most graduate programs
GMATRequired for Mineral and Energy Economics
SAT1330-1470
ACT29-33
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight strong performance in advanced mathematics and science courses; demonstrate interest in engineering or applied sciences.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$42,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$45,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$61,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Graduate Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Chemical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Mining Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Petroleum Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$85,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with NRELChevronExxonMobiland various aerospace companies.
Notable Alumni
George Saunders, Shane Carwin, T. Boone Pickens, Arden L. Bement Jr.
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Clear Creek Athletics Complex, Volk Gymnasium, Student Recreation Center
Student Clubs
Over 200 student organizations including Mines Little Theatre and Robotics Club
Library Resources
Arthur Lakes Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available