Engineering at Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines stands out among Colorado's engineering programs, with fourth-year graduates earning $81,462—substantially above Fort Lewis College's $50,985 and the state median. While first-year earnings and debt figures are estimated from national peer programs rather than Mines-specific data, the actual fourth-year number tells the more important story: this program appears to deliver strong mid-career outcomes. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests manageable borrowing even at these projected levels, though with only four engineering schools in Colorado and limited public data, direct state comparisons are challenging.

What works in this program's favor is both trajectory and selectivity. Students here average 1403 on the SAT, indicating a cohort that likely shares strong preparation and career focus. The jump from estimated first-year earnings of $67,911 to the reported $81,462 by year four represents meaningful salary growth, and both figures align with or exceed the $67,911 national median. The low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests most students come from families better positioned to help with costs, though it also means less economic diversity on campus.

For families comfortable with debt in the $25,000-$26,000 range, Mines appears positioned to deliver solid returns based on its actual mid-career data and the performance of comparable engineering programs. The fourth-year earnings aren't estimated—they're real—and that's where the value case gets clearest.