Colorado School of Mines is a public research university devoted to engineering and applied science. It has the highest admissions standards of any university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S. CSM has distinguished itself by developing a curriculum and research program that is geared towards responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources. In addition to strong education and research programs in traditional fields of science and engineering, CSM is one of a very few institutions in the world having broad expertise in resource exploration, extraction, production and utilization. As such, CSM occupies a unique position among the world's institutions of higher education.

Colorado School of Mines is located in historic Golden, CO, just fifteen minutes west of downtown Denver, and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Golden is a great place to visit or live during any season. Founded during the gold rush of 1859, Golden is one of Colorado's oldest communities and served as the Capital of Colorado Territory from 1862 to 1867. Separated from the suburbs of metropolitan Denver, Golden retains its small town character and remains the seat of Jefferson County. Historic buildings and homes have been preserved and blend with new construction throughout the downtown area.

Golden was selected as the site of the Territorial School of Mines in 1870. Originally located southeast of Golden, the School was moved to its present location when a windstorm blew down the first classroom building before construction was completed.