Colorado School of Mines is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is 58%. This means that 58 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Colorado School of Mines Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the Mines is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Colorado School of Mines Admission Requirements
Mines GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Mines is 3.84. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.54 and 3.84, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.44 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
Can I Get Into Mines Without SAT Or ACT?: Colorado School of Mines considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Colorado School of Mines Average SAT Score: 1403
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Colorado School of Mines is 1403 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Colorado School of Mines SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1403 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1488 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Colorado School of Mines allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1330, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Mines. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Colorado School of Mines SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 720 | 680 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 689 | 650 | 728 |
| SAT Composite | 1403 | 1330 | 1488 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1330 then you are below most of the admitted students at Mines and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1488 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Colorado School of Mines (Mines) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Colorado School of Mines (Mines) are good but the admission staff at Mines tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Mines is 32.
Colorado School of Mines ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Colorado School of Mines very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
Colorado School of Mines ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 31 | 28 | 34 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into Colorado School of Mines with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Colorado School of Mines are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Colorado School of Mines. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 32.Mines Profile
Name: Colorado School of Mines (Mines)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Mines Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Colorado School of Mines is USD: 37114. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Colorado School of Mines is USD: 27978
How can I get a scholarship?
13.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.33 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Mines and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Colorado School of Mines, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Mines as your choice in the form.
How much a Mines Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Mines graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 97335. An average Mines graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Colorado School of Mines. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Colorado School of Mines, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1387 | 31 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1386 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1367 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1366 | 30 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1378 | 32 |
| Clark University | Clark University, MA | 1373 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Emerson College, MA | 1373 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Colorado School of Mines. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Colorado School of Mines, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1399 | 30 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1402 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1401 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1409 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Colorado School of Mines. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1434 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1467 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL | 1440 | 32 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1480 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado School of Mines Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $97335 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $37114 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Colorado School of Mines is 58 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.84. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.54, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Colorado School of Mines with a 3.54 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.54 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Colorado School of Mines if my GPA is below 3.44
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.84, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: Admission to Colorado School of Mines is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1403 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1330-1488
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Colorado School of Mines from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Colorado School of Mines each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: The campus culture at Colorado School of Mines is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Colorado School of Mines?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Colorado School of Mines.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.