US University · Ranked #59
Colorado School of Mines: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Colorado School of Mines is a moderately selective university in Golden, Colorado, admitting around 54% of those who apply. Ranked #59 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
Colorado School of Mines is a specialized public engineering university in the foothills of the Rockies, known for its focus on earth, energy, and environmental sciences.
This guide breaks down Colorado School of Mines's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Colorado School of Mines admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 54%
- SAT range
- 1270–1450
- Average GPA
- 3.72
- In-state
- $20,964
- Out-of-state
- $43,530
- Enrollment
- 5,274
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Golden, Colorado
How hard is it to get into Colorado School of Mines?
With 54% of applicants admitted, Colorado School of Mines is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, Colorado School of Mines is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Colorado School of Mines typically score between 1270 and 1450 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1270 and a quarter above 1450. A score at or above 1450 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1360 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.72. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1270) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Colorado School of Minesapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Feb 1
Colorado School of Mines offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Feb 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Feb 1.
Notable programs at Colorado School of Mines
- Mining Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Petroleum Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Mechanical Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Physics — a research-intensive area well-supported by the institution's faculty.
Colorado School of Mines is particularly known for Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Colorado School of Mines
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, Colorado School of Mines costs significantly less for Colorado residents: in-state tuition is about $20,964 per year versus roughly $43,530 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $22,566 annually. If you are not a Colorado resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes Colorado School of Mines an especially strong value for state residents.
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Colorado School of Mines: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Colorado School of Mines?
- Colorado School of Mines has an acceptance rate of 54%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, Colorado School of Mines is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for Colorado School of Mines?
- Admitted students at Colorado School of Mines typically score between 1270 and 1450 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1450 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1270 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Colorado School of Mines?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Colorado School of Mines is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.72 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Colorado School of Mines?
- Colorado School of Mines's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Feb 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Colorado School of Mines a public or private university?
- Colorado School of Mines is a public university. In-state students from Colorado pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend Colorado School of Mines?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, Colorado School of Mines costs significantly less for Colorado residents: in-state tuition is about $20,964 per year versus roughly $43,530 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $22,566 annually. If you are not a Colorado resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.