Degree Dividend
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Colorado State University Global vs Colorado School of Mines: which has better ROI?

Public, Denver CO · vs · Public, Golden 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 2.3 years at Colorado State University Global, on median earnings of $97,335 vs $76,813 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureColorado State University GlobalColorado School of Mines
Net price / yr$16,510$28,690
Total net cost$66,040$114,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$76,813$97,335
Median debt$25,000$23,000
Payback2.3 yrs2.3 yrs
20-year net return$503,020$864,740

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

Which is cheaper, Colorado State University Global or Colorado School of Mines?

Colorado State University Global, at $16,510 a year after aid versus $28,690 — a gap of $12,180 a year, or $48,720 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 State University Global or Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more?

Colorado School of Mines graduates report a median $97,335 ten years after entry, $20,522 more than the $76,813 at Colorado State University Global. 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 State University Global or Colorado School of Mines?

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

Colorado State University Global vs Colorado School of Mines: frequently asked questions

Is Colorado State University Global or Colorado School of Mines a better value?
Colorado School of Mines. It clears its $114,760 net cost in about 2.3 years versus 2.3 years at Colorado State University Global, on median earnings of $97,335 vs $76,813 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Colorado State University Global or Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado State University Global: $16,510/yr net price after aid versus $28,690/yr at Colorado School of Mines — a difference of $12,180 a year, or about $48,720 over four years.
Do Colorado State University Global or Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn a median $97,335 ten years after entry, versus $76,813 at Colorado State University Global — a $20,522 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.