Colorado School of Mines vs University of Colorado Boulder
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +315% | +125% |
| 10-year net gain | $388,409 | $135,260 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $96,155 | $69,375 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $74,160 | $45,066 |
| Average net price | $28,690 | $25,346 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $19,500 |
| Break-even | 2.4 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 82% | 74% |
| Admission rate | 61% | 78% |
Colorado School of Mines
Strong return
+$388,409 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong return
+$135,260 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.