IMAGINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE
A student’s guide to Colorado School of Mines
CALLING ALL INNOVATORS + PROBLEM SOLVERS
You love STEM! That’s what matters.
At Colorado School of Mines, we do more than focus on science and engineering, we inspire students to address today’s greatest challenges. No matter what major you choose, your Mines education will enhance your skills as a problem solver, critical thinker and team player.
LET’S SET THE SCENE...
Located at the foothills of the Rockies. A campus surrounded by mountains, creeks, parks, biking and hiking trails. That’s not all.
Walk three blocks and you’ll find yourself in downtown Golden, Colorado. Golden is a vibrant town brimming with restaurants, cafes, shops, museums and music venues — even dinosaur bones! Within 30 minutes, the Light Rail (Denver’s public rail system) can drop you off in Denver. Oh, and no big deal, but world-class ski resorts and national parks are just a short drive away.
“I love being at a school that is close to the mountains and a big city. I was able to find a place with both a community of ‘nerdiness’ and a stellar academic program”
Madelyn Swelstand,
Computer Science
To learn more about life as an Oredigger, visit our Student Life website at: mines.edu/student-life.
REDEFINING NERD
You are more than your GPA and test scores. You’re a unique and balanced individual, and you’re looking for a school where you can let your whole self shine. At Mines, you’ll be challenged to become more than you ever imagined.
Student groups?
We have 250+, including:
• Anime Club
• Astronomy Club
• Creative Arts Club
• Hiking & Mountaineering Club
• Math Club
• Mines Green Team
• Mines Hillel
• Robotics Club
National organizations?
We have those, too:
• American Indian Science & Engineering Society
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Blue Key Honor Society
• Circle K International
• oSTEM
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Society of Women Engineers (largest collegiate chapter in the U.S.)
M CLIMB
Be part of a century-old tradition! New Orediggers climb Mt. Zion with a 10-pound rock that represents their hometown!
MARCHING BAND
Our marching band launches school spirit a mile high for all to hear!
Sporting their iconic hardhats, the marching band is easily recognizable during school and sporting events.
ENGINEERING DAYS
For three days each spring, Orediggers set aside their studies to celebrate a year’s worth of hard work. Think: fireworks, concerts, engineering-themed games (trebuchet, anyone?), cardboard boat races and an ore cart pull to Colorado’s capitol building.
SILVER DIPLOMA
Don’t worry, you get something much fancier than a painted rock when you complete your degree. Nothing seals the deal like a silver-plated diploma, a tradition since 1934. Talk about going out in style.
MINES AT A GLANCE
7,608 total students
5,852 undergrads
$79k average undergraduate starting salary after graduation
#1 best public universty in Colorado -Niche
1,470 organizations recruiting or hiring Mines students
#3 best engineering college in the U.S. - Money Magazine
~800 students in honors programs
6 honors programs on campus
50 states
86 countries
50 states
16:1
student-tofaculty ratio
80 countries
34 average class size
R1
Mines is recognized with R1 research university classification
Mines hosts a yearly Undergraduate Research Symposium active research faculty
35,000+
250+ square feet of makerspaces
76
total regular-season RMAC Championship wins
18 Division II varsity sports
#1 for career return on investment among peer institutions -Georgetown
#1 best college in Colorado for getting a job -Zippia
8
SIGNATURE LEARNING COMMUNITIES
• Athleticism and Wellness
• Engineering Grand Challenges
• Environmental Justice
• First-Year Honors Explore
• Gender Inclusive Housing
• Oredigger Leadership Community
• pHirst Scholars
• Visual and Performing Arts
2024 Accepted Student Profile
3.85 average unweighted GPA ~11.5k applications received
~1,500 incoming first-year students ~160 incoming transfer students
31 average ACT composite (for applicants who chose to submit scores)
1394 average SAT composite (for applicants who chose to submit scores)
student clubs and organizations
FIND YOUR FIT
Whichever major you choose, your Mines education will enhance your skills as a problem solver, critical thinker and team player. Combine that with a technical background and hands-on experiences, and you are well-equipped to help solve our global community’s challenges
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER ABROAD EXPERIENCE
Mines offers an innovative First Year Semester Abroad Experience in Antibes, France. You can be a part of a unique cohort of students who, during their first semester of college, step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves by learning and living in a new country and culture. mines.edu/fysae
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate students contribute to innovative and cutting-edge research, working directly with faculty mentors in every academic discipline. With our R1 research designation, you’ll get to participate in cuttingedge projects in your first year. mines.edu/undergraduate-research
HONORS AT MINES
The Thorson First-Year Honors Experience immerses you in an exploration of engineering and science, design, ethics and the arts. In the first-year Leadership by Design Honors Experience, you’ll approach grand challenges through leadership, communication and design. mines.edu/honors
A SENSE OF PLACE
Our hometown of Golden offers a mountain town feel with big city amenities just outside your door. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll have access to outdoor adventures and worldclass ski resorts, while being a short drive, bus or train ride away from Denver’s museums, art galleries and sporting events. With numerous notable companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, Google and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the area, Mines is the perfect place for internships and work experiences, or to launch your next adventure!
FEELS LIKE HOME
On-the-go fuel
Pop into the Periodic Table, home to all-American, Asian and Tex-Mex favorites.
Or, head to Mines Market to enjoy an assortment of meal options.
Mind, body, soul
The W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center has a dental clinic and health & counseling centers.
Work it out
Rock the climbing wall & more at our 150K sq ft Rec Center. Want to rent gear or indulge in a weekend outdoor adventure? Our Outdoor Rec Center’s got you covered.
Getting around
Bring or borrow a bike, or grab a ride on the bus or light rail to Denver and beyond!
Like-minded living
Signature Learning
Communities let you live with students with similar academic or lifestyle interests.
Live your best life
Our Department of Residence Life coordinates over 450 programs per semester. Pro tip: Don’t miss De-Stress with Dogs during finals week.
Sweet, sweet Golden
Our vibrant town is only a few blocks away — brimming with restaurants, cafes, shops, museums and music venues.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
The Oredigger community can’t wait to learn about your passions, aspirations and experiences.
Here at Mines, building community and connection is the key to happiness, balance and success. Enroll in programs that challenge your thinking. Travel to places that make you see the world differently, and say yes to new experiences – you never know where they might take you.
“At Mines, I began analyzing and attempting to solve some of the grand challenges in the world as a first year student. The community at Mines and around Golden, Colorado is small and close-knit. The school also offers many career development and networking opportunities to allow students to build the skills and networks they need to jump start their career as a graduate.”
Jennifer Kinch, Mining Engineering
STUDENT WELLNESS PROMOTION & EDUCATION
Student wellness is a top priority at Mines and our Student Wellness Promotion and Education conducts activities and trainings, such as mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, connectedness, resilience, sleep, stress management, sexual health, nutrition and more. mines.edu/student-wellness
Learn more about Student Life at Colorado School of Mines
MULTICULTURAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM (MEP)
MEP coordinates a variety of academic, cultural and professional development programs to build a more diverse and inclusive learning community. MEP supports the American Indian Science & Engineering Society, National Society of Black Engineers, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
mep.mines.edu
STUDENT ACTIVITIES, INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP (SAIL)
Connect with signature Mines student experiences through endless involvement and leadership opportunities. From fraternities and sororities to clubs and organizations there is an engaging campus community waiting for you.
mines.edu/student-activities
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS (SWE)
Mines has the largest collegiate SWE section in the U.S. With over 700 members, we attend conferences, network with STEM industry professionals, hold a large number of student leadership positions and do outreach with K-12 girls. You’ll be in good company here at Mines!
orgs.mines.edu/swe
PICK YOUR PROGRAM
Our innovative and hands-on degree programs provide students with the technical expertise and foundational knowledge to succeed in a variety of technical fields and industries.
Areas of Study
Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Computational and Applied Mathematics
Statistics
Data Science
Biochemistry
Business Engineering and Management Science
Business Analytics
Financial Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Advanced Manufacturing
Technology Management
Ceramic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Biological Engineering
Process Engineering
Chemistry
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Business
Computer Engineering
Data Science
Research Honors
Robotics and Intelligence Systems
Space
Construction Engineering
Design Engineering
Energy Studies
Robotics and Automation
Water Security
Music, Audio Engineering, and Recording Arts
Corporate Sustainability
Community Development
STEM Teaching
Individualized (customized course of study)
Options within a Major Majors
Electrical Engineering
Power and Energy Systems
Integrated Circuits, Computer Engineering and Electronic Systems
Information and Systems Sciences
Antennas and Wireless Communications
Engineering
Physics
Environmental Engineering
Geological Engineering
Minerals and Petroleum Exploration Engineering
Environmental, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics, and Ground-Water
Engineering
Geophysical Engineering
Climate
Energy
Hazards
Humanitarian
Minerals
Space
Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
Physical and Manufacturing Metallurgy
Ceramic and Electronic Materials
Physiochemical Processing of Materials
Biomaterials
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace
Automation and Controls
Automotive
Biomechanics
Energy
Manufacturing
Materials
Nuclear Energy
Mining Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering
Minors and Areas of Special Interest
a degree program that excites you!
Have you ever wondered where a major can take you? At Mines, you can choose from a variety of unique, top-notch programs in engineering and applied science that will take your education to the next level and prepare you to take on the world.
Mining Engineering
MANUFACTURING
Computer Science
additive manufacturing
Energy Systems & Power Electronics Specialty
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
APPLYING TO MINES
AUGUST
1
Application opens
NOVEMBER
1
Priority application deadline
OCTOBER
17-19
CO free application days for Colorado residents only
Required curriculum
• 4 Years of college-prep or advanced math
• Trigonometry or pre-calculus at minimum
• 3 Years of lab science
• Either physics or chemistry at minimum
• 4 Years of English
MARCH
1
Financial aid priority deadline
JANUARY
15
Regular application deadline
• All courses required by your high school for graduation
Recommended curriculum
• Advanced Mathematics
• Advanced Science
• Preferably Physics and Chemistry
• Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or concurrent enrollment courses (if available)
• Academic Electives
• STEM-centric courses, including computer science or engineering if available
MAY
1
National commitment day
Admissions process
• Step 1: Complete and submit the online application. Select “early action” if you are using the Common Application and applying for the priority deadline.
• Step 2: Submit the $50 domestic or $75 international application fee
• Step 3: Submit an official or unofficial high school transcript
• Step 4: Check the status of your application and decision in your Applicant Portal
Optional but strongly encouraged for best consideration:
• Essay or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation (1-2)
Learn more about our admissions requirements: mines.edu/undergraduate-admissions
DOING THE MATH
College is a big investment of your time, energy and finances. Mines is committed to helping you understand the cost of attendance and financial aid options available to you and your family. We have financial aid professionals here to help answer all your questions and turn your Mines dreams into a reality.
2024-2025 Cost of Attendance
Types of Aid
Mines offers a variety of aid for students to manage the cost of attendance.
EMBRACING OUTCOMES AND INDUSTRY
Cultivating ideas and forming businesses, all before heading out into the real world .
We like to pursue new ideas without limits—it’s what makes Mines graduates exceptional. You can find this limitless style in our unique programs, world-class teaching staff and state-of-the art facilities that prepare students for a successful career in a variety of fields.
4,833
students and recent graduates used career services an average of 3 times
1,470
organizations recruited or hired at Mines
$79K
NO.4
NOTES
Want to start your journey towards joining the Oredigger community? Have questions as you’re moving through the process? Visit mines.edu/admissions to find even more information, or contact admissions@mines.edu or (303) 384-2027 to connect with your Mines Admissions Counselor.
