Analysis
Colorado School of Mines mechanical engineering graduates earn $74,145 their first year—significantly above Colorado's median of $68,264 for the program and topping even flagship Boulder's $66,089. Among Colorado's seven engineering schools, Mines ranks second only to the CU Denver/Anschutz campus while charging comparable debt levels ($25,000 versus the state median of $25,592). Nationally, these graduates land in the 72nd percentile for earnings, performing well above the typical mechanical engineering program.
The debt picture looks manageable with a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn roughly three times their debt load in their first year. Four-year earnings climb to $83,162—a healthy 12% gain that suggests these graduates continue advancing in their careers. With a robust sample size of over 100 graduates, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than statistical noise.
For parents evaluating Colorado engineering programs, Mines delivers stronger starting salaries than most competitors at similar debt levels. The 60% admission rate and 1403 average SAT indicate selectivity without being prohibitively competitive. If your child can handle the rigorous coursework—Mines has a demanding reputation—the return on investment appears solid from day one.
Where Colorado School of Mines Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Colorado School of Mines graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | $74,145 | $83,162 | +12% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $70,763 | $87,148 | +23% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $60,720 | $83,877 | +38% |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $66,089 | $82,040 | +24% |
| University of Denver | $65,014 | $78,459 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Colorado School of MinesGolden | $21,186 | $74,145 | $83,162 | $25,000 | 0.34 |
 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver | $10,017 | $70,763 | $87,148 | $30,907 | 0.44 |
 University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs | $9,712 | $70,440 | $70,270 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
 University of Colorado BoulderBoulder | $16,430 | $66,089 | $82,040 | $20,500 | 0.31 |
 University of DenverDenver | $59,340 | $65,014 | $78,459 | $26,248 | 0.40 |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $60,720 | $83,877 | $26,184 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Colorado School of Mines, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 280 graduates with reported earnings and 324 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.