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Colorado School of Mines vs Regis University: which has better ROI?

Public, Golden CO · vs · Private nonprofit, Denver CO

The verdict

Colorado School of Mines has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,760 in 2.3 years versus 3.1 years at Regis University, on median earnings of $97,335 vs $72,105 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColorado School of MinesRegis University
Net price / yr$28,690$18,397
Total net cost$114,760$73,588
Median earnings, 10 yrs$97,335$72,105
Median debt$23,000$25,000
Payback2.3 yrs3.1 yrs
20-year net return$864,740$401,312

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Colorado School of Mines or Regis University?

Regis University, at $18,397 a year after aid versus $28,690 — a gap of $10,293 a year, or $41,172 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Colorado School of Mines or Regis University graduates earn more?

Colorado School of Mines graduates report a median $97,335 ten years after entry, $25,230 more than the $72,105 at Regis University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Colorado School of Mines or Regis University?

Colorado School of Mines: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Regis University, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

82% of students finish at Colorado School of Mines, against 61% at Regis University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Colorado School of Mines vs Regis University: frequently asked questions

Is Colorado School of Mines or Regis University a better value?
Colorado School of Mines. It clears its $114,760 net cost in about 2.3 years versus 3.1 years at Regis University, on median earnings of $97,335 vs $72,105 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Colorado School of Mines or Regis University?
Regis University: $18,397/yr net price after aid versus $28,690/yr at Colorado School of Mines — a difference of $10,293 a year, or about $41,172 over four years.
Do Colorado School of Mines or Regis University graduates earn more?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn a median $97,335 ten years after entry, versus $72,105 at Regis University — a $25,230 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.