Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Colorado School of Mines vary significantly by engineering discipline, though all programs deliver above-average career earnings. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different engineering and technology majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 14 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Colorado School of Mines.
#60 nationally
$73K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Colorado School Of Mines.
Engineering programs dominate Colorado School of Mines with exceptional national rankings and strong earnings outcomes. Engineering Physics ranks #1 nationally with perfect value scores, while Petroleum Engineering (#5 nationally) leads in earnings at $101,481.
Computer Science graduates earn the highest median at $110,684, ranking #62 nationally. All engineering disciplines deliver above-average career returns, though debt levels vary significantly from $40,500 in Civil Engineering to $92,982 in Petroleum Engineering.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing technical rigor and exceptional post-graduation earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Program outcomes vary significantly because different fields lead to different career paths and salary expectations in the labor market. Engineering Physics and Environmental Engineering achieve perfect value scores through exceptional earnings relative to typical debt levels in those fields. Rankings reflect actual graduate outcomes from federal College Scorecard data, not institutional reputation or faculty research productivity. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for data reliability, explaining why some smaller majors may not appear. These outcomes represent students who completed degrees and entered the workforce, providing realistic expectations for career earnings and debt obligations across different technical disciplines. Colorado School of Mines' specialized mission means all programs maintain technical rigor and industry connections that support strong employment outcomes relative to national averages in similar fields.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #60 |
| $110,684★ |
| $46,900 |
| 125 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering.Small sample | #1 🏆 | $104,994 | — | 14 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | #6 | $101,481 | $92,982 | 84 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #108 | $93,671 | $69,600 | 77 |
| Engineering Physics. | #1 🏆 | $87,900 | — | 51 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #44 | $87,437 | — | 36 |
| Metallurgical Engineering. | #1 🏆 | $84,905 | — | 43 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #77 | $83,162 | $62,391 | 313 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #91 | $82,472 | $57,538 | 104 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #58 | $79,720 | $40,500 | 67 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #2 | $75,799 | — | 46 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | #1 🏆 | $72,556 | $75,200 | 55 |
Applied Mathematics represents the sole non-engineering program, ranking #20 nationally and #1 in Colorado with graduates earning $76,575. While lower than engineering outcomes, this program still delivers above-average career returns for mathematics fields.
The small cohort of 25 graduates reflects the institution's specialized engineering focus rather than broad mathematical sciences offerings. This program suits students seeking quantitative training within a technical environment who may not want traditional engineering disciplines.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #20 | $76,575★ | — | 25 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #98 | $56,239 | — | 10 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
