Undergraduate Viewbook
Take a Look
View the Mines digital viewbook below to get a general overview and to learn more about common topics.
You can also pick up a printed version at the Admissions Office located in the Starzer Welcome Center on campus or when you see the Mines undergraduate recruitment team on the road.
The Elements to becoming an Oredigger
Click an element to learn more
The Symbol of Your Next Step
Students at Colorado School of Mines will not only find themselves immersed in academics, they also become part of the story. Founded in 1874, Mines is Colorado’s premier engineering and applied science university. And with 150+ years come traditions that last a lifetime. College is recognized as one of the most valuable experiences in one’s life, offering not just academic benefits, but opportunities for personal growth, career advancement and social development. Each fall, students will partake in a number of events to kick off the semester. Receiving the Mines hard hat marks the beginning of the next chapter as an Oredigger.
MEET PCJ
President Paul C. Johnson, PhD
President Johnson, or better known on campus as ‘PCJ’, is the 17th president of Colorado School of Mines. He too is an engineer by trade, with chemical engineering degrees including his master’s and PhD from Princeton University. His unique, front-line leadership is one-of-a-kind and a standout difference from most. He and his wife, Elyse, are often at events and activities like Move-In Day and the annual M Climb.
PCJ is also known for his selfies with students, so if you run into him, feel free to say hi and give him a follow on social.
Your New Home
Welcome to Colorado
Colorado is home to 58 fourteeners, four national parks, 42 state parks and numerous trails, perfect for hiking, biking and skiing. Whether you’re camping in the mountains, hitting the slopes or just catching a sunset near campus, the outdoors are always within reach. When you’re craving local food, the arts, music or a pro game, Denver is only 15 miles away with museums, concerts, theaters and major league sports year-round.
Location Golden
Golden is a walkable town with a local vibe and Rocky Mountain views in every direction. Three blocks from campus, downtown is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and local favorites. Golden delivers four true seasons and 300 days of sunshine per year. Clear Creek runs right through town and nearby trails offer quick access to the great outdoors. And don’t forget to explore Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the world, just minutes away. Golden gives you the small-town feel with easy access to big-mountain adventure.
Destination Mines
At Mines, 8,058 total students, 6,204 of whom are undergraduate students, make up a close-knit, high-achieving community. Students tackle rigorous academics through hands-on learning, internships and research opportunities. They work with top companies and organizations shaping the future of energy, technology and infrastructure, including Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace and the National Laboratory of the Rockies. It’s a campus built for collaboration, discovery and real-world impact.
Davian Sandoval
BS Mechanical Engineering 2024
MS Engineering and Technology Management 2025
Davian Sandoval knew Mines was the right choice after shadowing his sister on campus. “I could tell the people here cared about student success,” he said. Davian recently completed a combined bachelor’s and master’s program focused on both engineering and leadership.
As a Boettcher Scholar, he built a strong community through events hosted by the Mines Foundation and friendships with scholars across Colorado. “Some of my best friends are from Boettcher,” he said. “It’s a network I’ll keep long after college.”
On campus, Davian stayed active in Kickstart, a student organization dedicated to building a welcoming community, as well as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. “Clubs helped me find my people. They give you a sense of belonging and help build skills beyond class,” he said.
He also never missed E-Days—especially the early morning Ore Cart Pull. “It’s a tradition that makes you feel part of something bigger.”
Preparing to Apply
Each academic year we welcome new first-year Orediggers that exude intellectual curiosity, academic promise and a diverse range of interests and backgrounds. Explore our curriculum recommendations, application process, frequently-asked questions and more!
Get your admissions decision by December 15
Get your admissions decision by February 15
Requirements
of college-prep or advanced Math
trigonometry or pre-calculus at minimum
of laB science Courses
physics and chemistry at minimum
of english
Recommendations
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Advanced Mathematics
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Advanced Science
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Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and/or Concurrent Enrollment (CE) Courses
Average accepted
student profile
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3.86 unweighted GPA
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31 average ACT composite score
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1397 average SAT composite score
*based on accepted students for the incoming class of 2025, test scores based on those who selected to submit
*You must also fulfill the required courses outlined by your high school to meet graduation requirements.
Mines By the Numbers
student-to-faculty ratio
incoming first-year students
incoming transfer students
Countries represented on campus
states represented on campus
Division II varsity sports
square feet of makerspaces
Student clubs and organizations
Cost of Attendance
Mines offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of attendance. At Mines, 93 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance to help invest in their education.
Best Colleges in America for Salary Potential
Payscale, 2024
Best Value Colleges in America and Best Colleges for Engineering
Niche, 2025
Average undergraduate starting salary after graduation
Rhiannon Tulloss
BS Mechanical Engineering 2027
Aerospace Track
Rhiannon Tulloss has been connected to Mines since fourth grade, when she joined the Society of Women Engineers’ DecTech program to explore engineering. “It made me want to pursue engineering and return back to Mines,” she said.
Now, a mechanical engineering major, she’s turning class projects into real ventures. A solar-powered heated hose box she designed in her Cornerstone Design class became the foundation for her startup, Deep Freeze Design.
“I love the cool projects and applications of our classes,” she said.
She’s also part of Hope’s Enduring Flame, a small scholarship community she calls her “second family.” When asked what she brags about at Mines, her go-to list includes Golden, the 3D-printing lab and the Beck Venture Center. “I love the community here. Everyone knows what you’re going through, because we’re all in engineering together,” she said.
Looking ahead, she’s excited about a future in space design and materials research. She shared, “I want to work on a team of engineers focused on space exploration.”
Campus Life
While Colorado School of Mines is the Premier Engineering and Applied Science University in Colorado, that doesn’t mean you are going to miss out on the rest of the college experience. From your first week at Mines to the day you graduate from Mines, you get to work hard and play even harder!
OREDIGGER CAMP
A summer camp experience with a Mines twist, Oredigger Camp has become a new-student favorite. Head into the mountains for campfires, engineering challenges and intense gaga ball showdowns. It is all about building friendships, confidence and a strong sense of community during Helluva Welcome Week.
M Climb
Be part of a century-old tradition! New Orediggers hike up Mt. Zion with a 10-pound rock from their hometown. You’ll be cheered on by student organizations, sing the fight song and give the hillside ‘M’ a fresh coat of paint. It’s lively, spirited and one of the most unforgettable traditions at Mines.
E-Days
E-Days is Mines’ spring celebration of engineering and community. The highlight is the cardboard boat race, where students test their designs in the cold waters of Clear Creek. With concerts, fireworks and hands-on challenges, it’s a weekend that captures the spirit and creativity of Orediggers.
Research
With R1 status and more than 250 active research faculty working alongside students on game-changing projects in energy, robotics, space and more, undergraduates can often get involved in their first year. You can even showcase your work at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Maker Space
Mines offers 35,000+ square feet of makerspaces on campus, with access to tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and woodworking equipment. These spaces give students the freedom to test ideas, build real solutions and develop the hands-on skills that will set them apart in the workforce.
Career Days
Each semester, Career Days brings hundreds of employers to campus, and more than 1,600 companies recruit Orediggers each year. The Career Center helps you prep your resume, practice interviews and find internships or full-time jobs.
CAMPUS RECREATION
With 150,000 square feet of space, the Student Recreation Center is your go-to spot for fitness and fun. Climb the rock wall, join an intramural team, hit the gym or gear up for outdoor adventures across Colorado. From esports to yoga, there’s something for everyone.
Clubs and Organizations
With more than 200 student organizations, you can build an F1 car, join a cultural or professional organization, compete in robotics or get involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life. Want more? Study abroad programs, like the First-Year Semester Abroad in France, let you explore the world while staying on track for graduation. However you get involved, you’ll find your people here.
Athletics
With 18 Division II varsity sports, from football and basketball to soccer and swimming, athletics brings the campus community together. At the center of it all is Blaster, our mascot. Games are a chance to connect with classmates while wearing your Mines gear and singing the fight song. #HelluvaEngineer
Honors
Join a community of more than 800 students across six honors programs at Mines. The First-Year Honors experience offers two pathways: Thorson, with a humanities and ethics focus, or Grandey, with an emphasis on leadership and systems thinking. Both programs offer small class sizes, creative projects and a community of students that live together in a signature learning community within residence life.
The End Goal: Graduation
Commencement at Mines honors the hard work behind every degree. Students receive a silver-plated diploma and can choose to wear a distinctive Mines hat or traditional mortar board for graduation. Both are symbols of Oredigger pride and traditions that mark the start of what comes next. And don’t forget about ringing the bell located outside Guggenheim Hall.
Living on Campus
Living on campus means being part of a community from day one and just steps from your classes, campus dining, activities and support services. It’s the perfect way to make friends, find your rhythm and stay connected to campus.
Mines has a two-year live-on requirement, setting students up for success. You’ll gain life skills, build strong support networks and be part of an active campus community.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Student Wellness Center which offers health, dental and counseling services, along with wellness programs to support your mental health, nutrition and sleep. So you stay balanced and ready for what’s next while on your college journey.
Signature Learning Communities
Signature Learning Communities (SLCs) give students the opportunity to live with others who share something in common. This can be academically focused or based on an affinity or passion area. SLCs help you create instant connections within a small living community. Whether you are interested in wellness, the arts or leadership, you can live and learn with like-minded Orediggers who are just as engaged as you are. These communities make it easier to get involved, build friendships and feel at home at Mines, starting with day one.
Let’s Eat
Dining on Campus
You’ll always have access to fresh food, quick bites and your go-to coffee order without having to leave campus. Mines Market is the main dining hall, featuring nine distinctive stations. Options for vegetarian, vegan and allergen-free diets are always available. Your meal plan also includes Munch Money, which you can use just like cash at different locations around campus, like Einstein Bros. Bagels, Qdoba and Starbucks.
Getting Around Town
Ore Cart Shuttle
Operated as a partnership between Mines and the City of Golden, the Ore Cart Shuttle is free for all riders and connects the Mines campus with downtown Golden and more.
RTD Light Rail
Mines students get a free RTD College Pass with unlimited bus and light rail rides, including to and from Denver International Airport via the A Line with connections to Golden.
Bike, Blade, Board
Golden has been named a Bicycle Friendly Community for its infrastructure for bicyclists. You’ll find bike lanes to get around and even mountain trails and races for the avid biker.
VISIT CAMPUS
On campus, virtually or in your area, we want you to get to know Mines.
Majors and Minors
Mines students are innovative, hands-on learners who develop the technical expertise and specialized skills to thrive across a variety of engineering and applied science fields. Guided by renowned faculty and fueled by experiential learning and real-world projects, students turn ideas into reality. At Mines you won’t just prepare for your future — you’ll engineer it.
Not sure what you want to study? That’s okay. At Mines, all students start with the same foundational courses allowing you to explore what major you want.