Colorado School of Mines vs. USAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO with United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado School of Mines is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (8,044 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, CO (Large Suburban setting); United States Air Force Academy is in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting).
• Colorado School of Mines is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado School of Mines 18:1; United States Air Force Academy 7:1.

Colorado School of Mines vs. USAFA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado School of Mines or USAFA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Colorado School of Mines and USAFA ($21,914.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Colorado School of Mines and United States Air Force Academy ($45,824.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colorado School of Mines than at United States Air Force Academy (96% vs. 0%).

Colorado School of Mines vs. USAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado School of Mines or USAFA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USAFA and Colorado School of Mines.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Colorado School of Mines (1400) is 60 points higher than at USAFA (1340).
• Incoming Colorado School of Mines students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 29 at USAFA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado School of Mines 1320/1480; United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado School of Mines 29/33; United States Air Force Academy 26/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado School of Mines - Test optional; USAFA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado School of Mines Jan 15, 2027; USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Colorado School of Mines students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at USAFA (3.81).
• Colorado School of Mines has a higher acceptance rate (60.7%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.1% at Colorado School of Mines vs. 78.5% at USAFA.

Colorado School of Mines vs. USAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado School of Mines and USAFA? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Colorado School of Mines's six-year graduation rate is 70%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from Colorado School of Mines have median earnings of about $90,500 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.