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Colorado School of Mines vs Michigan State University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

20
Colorado Wins
7
Tied / N/A
19
Michigan Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Rocky Mountains
Region
Great Lakes
6,155
Enrollment
40,922
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
85%
1412
SAT Average
1269
31
ACT Midpoint
26
1320-1480
SAT Range
1180-1360

Cost & Financial Aid

$21,914
In-State Tuition
$16,458
$45,824
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,842
$28,690
Average Net Price
$19,680
$16,849
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,068
$18,162
Net Price ($30-48K)
$10,830
$22,192
Net Price ($48-75K)
$16,521
$35,112
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,546
14%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
32%
Federal Loan Rate
34%

Academics

81%
Graduation Rate
81%
93%
Retention Rate
90%
73%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$14,000
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,468
15%
First-Gen Students
21%

Student Body

28%
Female
55%
68%
White
67%
14%
Hispanic
7%
1%
Black
7%
6%
Asian
8%
0.52
Diversity Index
0.53

Outcomes

$82,950
Earnings (6yr)
$55,084
$90,777
Earnings (8yr)
$62,777
$97,335
Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$23,000
Median Debt
$23,250
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35x
90%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

249.12%
Mobility Rate
138.78%
6404.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3392.0%
389.0%
From Bottom 20%
409.1%
$111,500
Parent Median Income
$120,400

Social Capital

1.78
Economic Connectedness
1.48
-0.02
Friending Bias
0.09
4.3%
Volunteering Rate
7.7%

Research (Times HE)

#201-225
World Rank
#122
24.6
Teaching Score
50.4
22.8
Research Score
52.7
63.7
Citations Score
63.7

The Overviews

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public

61% accept 81% grad $97,335 earnings $28,690 net

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.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

85% accept 81% grad $67,253 earnings $19,680 net

With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.

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