888-446-9489 admissions@mines.edu

Families and Supporters

Welcome, Families and Supporters!

You play a big role in your student’s college search. At Colorado School of Mines, your student will find a close-knit, driven community focused on engineering and applied sciences. Here’s what makes Mines stand out and what you should know as you help guide the journey.

Colorado School of Mines students at Friends and Family Weekend

High ROI and Career Success: Investing in a Bright Future

A Mines degree pays off: 

  • No. 1 public university in Colorado for salary potential
  • No. 4 nationally for career return on investment
  • Average starting salary: approximately $81,000
  • 96% of graduates are employed or continuing education shortly after graduation
  • Strong industry partnerships and a focus on practical experience
Colorado School of Mines student interviewing at the Career Fair

Career Resources at Mines

From day one, our Career Center helps students prepare for what’s next with resume reviews, interview practice, career exploration and networking. Mines hosts the largest career fairs in the Rocky Mountain region, bringing nearly 500 employers from industries like energy, aerospace, environmental resources and technology. Students also have access to DiggerNet, an exclusive job board for internships, co-ops, job shadowing and full-time jobs. 

Employers at Career Day

Companies recruit Mines students

Colorado School of Mines graduate posing for a photo with President Johnson at Commencement

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 Health and Wellness Center right on campus

The Counseling Center for mental health and well-being

Accessibility Services for students with accommodations
250+ student organizations and clubs to find their people

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.

VISIT CAMPUS SAFETY
yellow arrow pointing towards apply now

What It’s Like to Live in Golden, Colorado

This is where your student will call home.

Golden has everything you want in a college town: safe, walkable and surrounded by mountains. Students can explore the outdoors, hit world-class ski resorts and still be just a short ride from Denver’s pro sports and city life. The area is also home to top employers like Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, Google and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, making Mines a strong base 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:

Colorado School of Mines Students enjoying the 2023 M Climb

The M Climb

Every incoming student carries a rock to the famous M on Mt. Zion — and leaves their mark on Mines.

Students riding over a rapid in a cardboard boat during the 2025 E-Days

E-Days (Engineering Days)

Spring’s biggest celebration — think cardboard boat races, fireworks, concerts and more.

Blaster the Burro posing for a photo with a Mines student at Commencement Ceremonies

Blaster the Burro

Our four-legged mascot shows up at major events, ready for photos and school spirit.

Blaster the Mascot posing with a crowd at a Mines homecoming football game

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 is about more than classes. It is about connection. At Mines, your student will find plenty of ways to get involved, explore new interests and build community. 

With more than 250 student organizations and clubs, including robotics teams, outdoor clubs, Theatre and more, there is something for every Oredigger. 

Students can apply to first-year Honors programs or begin undergraduate research as early as their first year. For those looking to take their education global, opportunities include study abroad, international fieldwork and the First-Year Semester Abroad in France. 

 

Whatever their passion, whatever their path, they’ll find it here.

Colorado School of Mines students abroad in Spain
A photo of Blaster skiing.
Colorado School of Mines students working in a Quantum Research Lab
Students at commencement listen to the speaker.
Colorado School of Mines students at a dance performance
Colorado School of Mines student working in the foundry
An icon depicting an application.

How Your Student Can Apply

Encourage your student to take the first step toward becoming an Oredigger.

Details

Application Steps:

  1. Complete and submit the Golden Application or Common App.
  2. Pay the $50 application fee ($75 for international students).
  3. Submit official or unofficial high school transcripts.
  4. Optionally, include short responses and letters of recommendation.

Important Dates:

  • August 1: Application opens
  • November 1: Priority application deadline
  • December 21: Priority decisions released
  • January 15: Regular application deadline
  • March 1: Regular decisions released
  • May 1: National Decision Day
An icon depicting a test packet and pen.

Admission Requirements

Learn about admissions requirements.

Details

Required High School Coursework:

  • 4 years of college-prep or advanced math
    • trigonometry or pre-calculus at a minimum
  • 3 years of lab science
    • either physics or chemistry at a minimum
  • 4 years of English
  • All core courses required for graduation

Recommended:

  • Advanced Mathematics
    • 80% of students admitted to Mines complete Calculus 1 or higher in high school
  • Advanced Science
    • Preferably Physics and Chemistry (one required)
  • Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or concurrent enrollment courses (if available)
  • Academic Electives
  • STEM-centric courses, including computer science or engineering if available

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my student need to apply to Mines?

To complete an application, your student will need to submit:

  • An online application (either the Golden Application or the Common App)
  • Their current high school transcript
  • Pay the application fee

Mines is a test-optional university. That means your student’s application will be reviewed equally whether or not they submit ACT or SAT scores. If they believe test scores help tell their academic story, they’re welcome to include them.

Bonus for your student: We superscore both the ACT and SAT. That means we’ll take their best individual section scores from multiple tests to give them the highest possible composite score.

What are the important application deadlines?

These are the dates to help your student stay on track:

  • August 1: Applications open
  • November 1: Priority application deadline (best chance for early decisions and scholarships)
  • December 21: Priority decisions released
  • January 15: Regular application deadline
  • March 1: Regular decisions released
  • May 1: National Decision Day (when your student officially commits to Mines)

How does my student send their transcript?

Their high school counselor can send the transcript electronically, by email, or by mail. If your student is applying through the Common App, they’ll assign their counselor right in the application system.

Unofficial transcripts are fine for the initial application. Official transcripts are required later in the process.

Are letters of recommendation required?

Mines doesn’t require letters of recommendation, but if your student has one or two great ones, they’re welcome to send them. Letters can be uploaded in the application portal or sent directly to admissions@mines.edu.

How much does it cost to apply?

$50 for domestic first-year applicants

$75 for international first-year applicants

How does my student track their application?

Once your student applies, they’ll get access to their personalized Applicant Portal. That’s where they can:

  • Upload materials
  • Track their application status
  • See their admissions decision
  • Complete enrollment steps if admitted

Does Mines offer interviews?

No formal interviews are required as part of the application process. But, we’d love to meet your student during a campus visit!

Is Mines part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

No, Mines is not part of WUE. However, every student who applies is automatically considered for merit scholarships, and external scholarships can often be stacked on top of those awards.

Learn more about scholarships.

How will merit scholarships be considered if my student doesn’t submit test scores?

We look at the whole application, including GPA, coursework, essays (if submitted), activities and experiences. If your student doesn’t submit test scores, that’s okay. They’ll still be considered for all merit scholarships.

My student is homeschooled. Will they be reviewed differently?

Not at all. We take a holistic approach and review every application individually. We may reach out to ask clarifying questions about coursework, but the process is the same.

Can my student update their application after submitting?

Yes. If your student needs to make changes, like submitting new test scores or updating personal information, they can email admissions@mines.edu and include their full name and birthdate.