Rankings
Colorado School of Mines
How Mines stacks up
Our reputation is built on the results of our STEM-focused education and research, and our rankings show how we’re leading the way while engineering solutions on Earth and beyond.
Here’s a quick look at Mines by the numbers below, and if you need a printable version, download it here.
#1 Best Public University in Colorado
Niche, 2025
#1 Best College in Colorado
Wall Street Journal, 2024
#1 Mineral and Mining University
QS World University Rankings, 2025
A top-tier research university where students and faculty solve critical challenges
At Mines, we’re committed to working together to tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges and translate science and engineering into technologies and innovations that improve our lives. We’re shaping what’s next in energy, mineral resources, advanced materials and manufacturing, and sustainable environment and climate.
TOP 40 PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
U.S. News & World Report and Niche, 2025
TOP 30 BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA FOR ENGINEERING
Niche, 2025
TOP RANKED BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Payscale, 2024
Orediggers are in high demand
Mines has been powering industry, Colorado and the future since 1874, and our graduates have always been in high demand. With expert faculty, top facilities and strong industry partnerships, Mines creates the ideal environment for producing exceptional leaders, problem-solvers and innovators. The world looks to Mines for engineers from the front of the pack.
5,570 students used Career Services
767 employers posted 3,282 jobs and internships
1,600 employers actively recruited at Mines
Mines facts
R1 classification by Carnegie
the highest designation granted to U.S. research universities
$106M in total research awards
during FY24
55+ graduate programs to choose from
students are forging new discoveries
35,000+ square feet of makerspaces
dedicated to students pursuing innovation
Seeking students who are driven and curious
Mines students are more than GPAs and test scores. They embody a unique blend of curiosity, talent for innovation, and passion for tackling complex challenges. Orediggers are sought-after leaders in all of their pursuits – whether doing research in a lab, solving problems with a team, or displaying exceptional skills on the field, stage or page. They are future engineers and active artists, writers, musicians, athletes, climbers, journalists, skiers, dancers and more.
12,500+
students apply each year for ~1,550 first-year student seats
8,058
total enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students in fall 2024
200+
student-led organizations to choose from
Mines Athletics
18
intercollegiate varsity athletics teams
TOP 10
of all Division II programs for National LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup
379
All-Americans in Mines history, earning 924 total awards through the end of 2024
204
Academic All-Americans through 2024, the most by any NCAA Division II institution
OUR HOMETOWN IS GOLDEN.
Five minutes from campus:
- Jam to live music events.
- Cheer on our Orediggers.
- Hike up Mt. Zion.
- Visit restaurants, festivals and more.