Colorado School of Mines vs Michigan Tech

Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University, both renowned for their exceptional engineering and technology programs, offer distinct educational experiences. Colorado School of Mines, nestled in Golden, Colorado, boasts a lower acceptance rate, attracting a highly selective student body. Michigan Technological University, located in Houghton, Michigan, offers a more diverse student population and a higher acceptance rate. While Colorado School of Mines excels in petroleum engineering and mining engineering, Michigan Technological University shines in computer engineering and mechanical engineering. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these institutions, including graduation rates, tuition fees, and student life, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Colorado School of Mines	Michigan Technological University
Overview
Location	Golden, Colorado	Houghton, Michigan
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	56.9%	85.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1310 - 1470	1130 - 1335
ACT range	29 - 33	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	53.0%	70.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%	28.0%
Total number of applicants	12,022	8,041
Total number of admissions given out	6,838	6,895
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,449	1,479
Yield rate	21.2%	21.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $34,245 Out of state: $55,545	In state: $32,210 Out of state: $53,356
Average net price	$26,179	$17,826
Tuition	In state: $17,160 Out of state: $38,460	In state: $16,654 Out of state: $37,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,196 Meal plan: $6,520	Room/dormitory: $6,509 Meal plan: $5,146
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $10,778	99.0% Average amount $14,609
Students receiving federal student loan	43.0% Average amount $5,292	51.0% Average amount $5,073
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $24,651	14.0% Average amount $14,311

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,487 Men 68.4% Women 31.6%	5,777 Men 70.7% Women 29.3%
Graduate students	1,700 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%	1,231 Men 69.8% Women 30.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	N/A
International students	8.8%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	2,445	3,062
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado Texas California Washington Illinois	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Physical Science Mathematics and Statistics Engineering Technologies	Engineering Engineering Technologies Mathematics and Statistics Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	69.1%
Dropout rate	10.5%	8.0%
Transferred out	4.8%	20.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $94,022 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $99,390 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,458 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $97,622 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,719 Year 2: $77,966 Year 3: $94,221 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,308 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $91,467 Geological/Geophysical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $119,159 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $90,384 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,554 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $84,256 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,556 Year 2: $70,886 Year 3: $82,164 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,256 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $82,134 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,029 Year 2: $64,865 Year 3: $78,404 Engineering Physics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,721 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $77,926	Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,096 Year 2: $86,550 Year 3: $88,162 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,211 Year 2: $78,172 Year 3: $85,110 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,168 Year 2: $75,989 Year 3: $82,365 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,103 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $81,251 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,391 Year 2: $70,536 Year 3: $79,370 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,541 Year 2: $71,637 Year 3: $77,183 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,140 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,360 Materials Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,484 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $74,767 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,667 Year 2: $66,461 Year 3: $72,870 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,556 Year 2: $63,217 Year 3: $69,234

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University?

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is heavily focused on engineering and applied science, particularly in areas related to earth, energy, and the environment. Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) also excels in engineering and applied science, but with a broader range of programs including forestry, business, and health professions, in addition to its strong engineering core.
How do the locations of Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University differ, and how might this impact student life?

Mines is located in Golden, Colorado, a suburban city near Denver, offering access to urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains. Michigan Tech is situated in Houghton, Michigan, a small town in the Upper Peninsula, providing a more remote and close-knit community with a focus on outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in a more rugged, northern environment. The location significantly impacts the overall student experience, with Mines offering a blend of city and mountain life, while Michigan Tech provides a more immersive, nature-focused experience.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

Colorado School of Mines generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, often around 14:1, allowing for more personalized attention. Michigan Tech also boasts a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, typically around 13:1, ensuring students have ample access to professors and resources. While both are similar, Mines might have slightly smaller upper-level classes due to its more specialized focus.
How do the research opportunities compare between Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University?

Both universities offer robust research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Colorado School of Mines excels in research related to mining, energy, materials science, and environmental remediation. Michigan Tech has strong research programs in areas such as advanced materials, sustainable energy, robotics, and forest ecology. The best choice depends on your specific research interests.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University?

Graduates from both institutions are highly sought after by employers. Colorado School of Mines graduates often find employment in the energy, mining, and environmental sectors, particularly in the western United States. Michigan Tech graduates are recruited by companies in various engineering fields, including automotive, manufacturing, and technology, with opportunities across the Midwest and nationally. Both schools have excellent career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.
How do the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities compare between the two universities?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency and program. Generally, Colorado School of Mines may have a slightly higher tuition rate, especially for out-of-state students. Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's essential to check the specific tuition rates and financial aid packages offered by each institution based on your individual circumstances.
What are the strengths of the athletic programs at Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University?

Colorado School of Mines is known for its strong NCAA Division II athletic programs, particularly in cross country and track & field, as well as football. Michigan Tech competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a notable hockey program (Division I) and strong programs in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, reflecting its northern location. The athletic culture at Michigan Tech is heavily influenced by its hockey team.
How do the campus cultures differ between Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University?

Colorado School of Mines has a rigorous academic environment with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. The campus culture is known for its collaborative spirit and focus on problem-solving. Michigan Tech also has a strong academic focus, but with a more outdoorsy and community-oriented atmosphere. Students at Michigan Tech often participate in outdoor activities and embrace the unique Upper Peninsula lifestyle. Mines is closer to a major metropolitan area, offering more diverse social opportunities off-campus.
What types of student organizations and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations and extracurricular activities. Colorado School of Mines has clubs related to engineering disciplines, outdoor recreation, and various cultural and social interests. Michigan Tech also has numerous engineering and science-related clubs, as well as organizations focused on outdoor activities, arts, and community service. Michigan Tech's location lends itself to unique outdoor clubs like the Huskies Pep Band Snowmobile Club.
If I'm interested in a specific engineering discipline, how do the programs at Colorado School of Mines and Michigan Technological University compare?

Both universities offer strong engineering programs, but their strengths may vary. If you're interested in mining engineering, petroleum engineering, or geological engineering, Colorado School of Mines is a top choice. Michigan Tech excels in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Research the specific curriculum and faculty expertise in your area of interest at both institutions to determine the best fit.

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