Families and Supporters
Welcome, Families and Supporters!
We know you want to help your student navigate the college search process with confidence. At Colorado School of Mines, your student will join a tight-knit community of driven, like-minded individuals, all focused on engineering and applied sciences. Here’s what makes Mines different and what you should know as you help your student through the college search and application process.
High ROI and Career Success: Investing in a Bright Future
A Mines degree pays off: ranked No. 1 best public university by salary potential in Colorado and ranked No. 4 nationally for career return on investment. Our graduates have an average starting salary of approximately $81,000. With strong industry partnerships and a focus on practical experience, 96% of our graduates secure employment or pursue further education shortly after graduation.
Career Resources at Mines
At Mines, your student won’t just graduate with a degree, they’ll graduate with options. From day one, our Career Center is here to help your student prepare for what’s next. Resume help, interview practice, career exploration and networking.
And twice a year, your student will have access to the largest career fairs in the Rocky Mountain region. Career Days at Mines brings in nearly 500 employers from industries like energy, aerospace, environmental resources, technology and more. And, they’re all here because they want to hire Mines students.
Students also have access to DiggerNet, our exclusive job board just for Orediggers, where they’ll find internships, co-ops, job shadowing opportunities and full-time jobs ready and waiting.
Employers at Career Day
Companies recruit Mines students
A Community of Like-Minded Scholars and Real Access to Professors
At Mines, your student will be part of a community where everyone is pursuing rigorous, technical degrees. This shared focus fosters collaboration, support and lifelong friendships and connections.
It also means real access to their professors. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, your student won’t just know their professors, they’ll work alongside them. And with 97% of classes taught by faculty (not teaching assistants), your student’s education is coming straight from experts who are leaders in their fields and active in cutting-edge research.
This is what your tuition supports at Mines: top-tier faculty investing in your student’s success.
And, because we know your student’s success is about more than just academics, we offer resources designed to help your student thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Advising starting their very first semester
The Counseling Center for mental health and well-being
Safety First: On Campus and Beyond
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Golden, Colorado, offers a safe and welcoming environment. Golden, Colorado, is one of the safest cities in the state and our campus is consistently ranked as one of the safest in Colorado. With a dedicated campus police department and a strong community culture, your student’s well-being is our top priority.
What It’s Like to Live in Golden, Colorado
This is where your student will call home.
Golden is everything you’d hope for in a college town. Safe, walkable and surrounded by mountains. Students have access to outdoor adventures and world-class ski resorts, while being a short drive, bus or train ride away from Denver’s sporting events. With numerous notable companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, Google and National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the area, Mines is the perfect place for internships and work experience.
Bonus? Golden averages 300 days of sunshine a year — perfect for all those outdoor adventures. Our Outdoor Recreation Center makes it easy: with gear rentals, ski and bike tune-ups, a climbing wall and student-led adventure trips all year long.
Mines Traditions Your Student Will Love
This is what Oredigger pride looks like.
At Mines, students work hard and they know how to celebrate what makes this community special. Our traditions help students connect, belong and build memories they’ll carry with them long after graduation.
Some of our favorites:
The M Climb
Every incoming student carries a rock to the famous M on Mt. Zion — and leaves their mark on Mines.
E-Days (Engineering Days)
Spring’s biggest celebration — think cardboard boat races, fireworks, concerts and more.
Blaster the Burro
Our four-legged mascot shows up at major events, ready for photos and school spirit.
Homecoming
More than just a football game, Homecoming at Mines is a weeklong celebration of Oredigger spirit.
Finding Their Place at Mines
This is where your student finds their people and their purpose.
College isn’t just about classes. It’s about connection. At Mines, your student will have plenty of ways to get involved, explore new interests and build their community.
With more than 250 student organizations and clubs, from professional societies like the Society of Women Engineers to outdoor clubs, robotics teams and even Theatre, there’s something here for every Oredigger.
Students looking for extra challenge can apply to our first-year Honors programs or get involved in undergraduate research as early as their first year.
And if your student is hoping to learn beyond Golden? Study abroad, international fieldwork and even a First-Year Semester Abroad in France give them the chance to take their education global.
Whatever their passion, whatever their path, they’ll find it here.
How Your Student Can Apply
Encourage your student to take the first step toward becoming an Oredigger.
Admission Requirements
Learn about admissions requirements.
Stay Connected
Join our Future Oredigger Parents, Families and Guardians Facebook Group after your student is accepted to Mines to connect with other parents and stay informed about campus news and events.
For more information or assistance, contact the Office of Admissions:
Phone: (303) 273 – 3220
Email: admissions@mines.edu