Head-to-Head Comparison
Colorado School of Mines vs George Washington University
- Colorado Mines Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 11
- George Washington Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colorado School of Mines offers a significantly safer investment tier. While George Washington University achieves a higher graduation rate (85% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,586 compared to Colorado School of Mines's $28,690. Students who choose Colorado School of Mines benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $97,335 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colorado Mines
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than George Washington University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $7,896 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
George Washington
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #95
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colorado Mines graduates concentrate in Engineering (74% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Colorado School of Mines over George Washington University. Median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick Colorado School of Mines over George Washington University. Net price $28,690 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over Colorado School of Mines. THE World Rank #95 vs #201-225.
Pick Colorado School of Mines over George Washington University. 2.5% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick George Washington University over Colorado School of Mines. 85% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colorado School of Mines and George Washington University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Colorado School of Mines takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,412 to 1,433.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Colorado School of Mines comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,690, about $7,896 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,584 before any change in aid. Choosing Colorado School of Mines leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colorado School of Mines graduates report median earnings of $97,335, compared with $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
George Washington University graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Colorado School of Mines does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.5%; at George Washington University, it is 2.2%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Colorado School of Mines offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, George Washington University sits higher, at #95 versus #201.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Colorado School of Mines to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
George Washington University is harder to get into, with a 47% admit rate, but Colorado School of Mines posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. George Washington University ranks higher globally (#95 vs #201-225), but Colorado School of Mines alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Colorado School of Mines concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while George Washington University leans toward Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Colorado School of Mines has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above Colorado School of Mines's $28,690.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of George Washington University's enrollment, and Colorado School of Mines is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Colorado School of Mines's 6,155.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Colorado Mines does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO · Public
Graduates from the Colorado School of Mines earn a median salary of $97,335 just ten years after enrollment. This impressive figure reflects the school's strong focus on engineering and applied sciences. With a student body of 6,155, Mines attracts students who are serious about pursuing careers in technical fields.
The school has an 81% graduation rate, indicating that most students complete their degrees in a timely manner. While specific mobility and economic connectedness data are not available, the focus on high-demand areas like engineering and computer science generally leads to strong job prospects for graduates. Students who come from lower-income backgrounds may find support through limited Pell Grant funding, as 14% of students receive these grants.
Attending Mines comes with a net price of $28,690, and graduates typically leave with a median debt of $23,000. This combination of cost and potential earnings makes the return on investment favorable. Students who thrive here are often those with a solid foundation in math and science, ready to tackle challenging coursework in a collaborative environment.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Colorado School of Mines and George Washington University appear together in 4 rankings. On the Colleges With the Best Loan Repayment Rates, Colorado School of Mines ranks #3 — Colorado School of Mines outranks George Washington University by 33 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Colorado Mines's top program is Mechanical Engineering (74% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
George Washington
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colorado Mines) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colorado School of Mines is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Biology & Biomedical, while George Washington University concentrates in Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Colorado Mines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colorado School of Mines or George Washington University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 61% at Colorado School of Mines.
Which is more affordable, Colorado School of Mines or George Washington University?
Colorado School of Mines is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do Colorado School of Mines or George Washington University graduates earn more?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colorado School of Mines or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 81%.
Colorado School of Mines vs George Washington University: which is better for social mobility?
Colorado School of Mines is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.5% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Colorado School of Mines or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colorado School of Mines if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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