Head-to-Head Comparison
Colorado School of Mines vs Syracuse University
- Colorado Mines Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 7
- Syracuse Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colorado School of Mines offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Syracuse University achieves a higher graduation rate (82% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,793 compared to Colorado School of Mines's $28,690. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colorado School of Mines's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
49 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, 23% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $10,103 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
Syracuse
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 46% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #177
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colorado Mines graduates concentrate in Engineering (74% of degrees); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Colorado School of Mines over Syracuse University. Net price $28,690 vs $38,793.
Pick Syracuse University over Colorado School of Mines. THE World Rank #177 vs #201-225.
Pick Syracuse University over Colorado School of Mines. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.5%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colorado School of Mines and Syracuse 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
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while Colorado School of Mines takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,412 to 1,375.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse 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 $10,103 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of Colorado School of Mines also borrow less: median debt of $23,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $40,412 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colorado School of Mines has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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.
Moving people up
Syracuse University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Colorado School of Mines, it is 2.5%. Syracuse University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Syracuse University 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, Syracuse University sits higher, at #177 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; pick Syracuse University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Syracuse University ranks higher globally (#177 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 Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences, Communications, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Colorado Mines competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above Colorado School of Mines's $28,690.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and Colorado School of Mines is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds Colorado School of Mines's 6,155.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Colorado School of Mines is featured on the Best Colleges in Colorado ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colorado Mines's top program is Mechanical Engineering (74% of enrollment), while Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colorado Mines) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colorado School of Mines is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Biology & Biomedical, while Syracuse University concentrates in Social Sciences, Communications, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colorado School of Mines or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 61% at Colorado School of Mines.
Which is more affordable, Colorado School of Mines or Syracuse University?
Colorado School of Mines is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Colorado School of Mines or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colorado School of Mines or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 81%.
Colorado School of Mines vs Syracuse University: which is better for social mobility?
Syracuse University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 2.5%.
Should you choose Colorado School of Mines or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colorado School of Mines if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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