Colorado School of Mines vs UWyoming

Colorado School of Mines and University of Wyoming, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Colorado School of Mines, renowned for its focus on engineering and applied sciences, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 49%. Its student body is predominantly male, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields. In contrast, University of Wyoming, a comprehensive public research university, welcomes a more diverse student population and offers a wider range of academic programs, including arts, humanities, and social sciences. With an acceptance rate of 88%, it provides a more accessible gateway to higher education. While both universities offer excellent educational opportunities, their unique characteristics cater to different aspirations and preferences. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal aspirations.

	Colorado School of Mines	University of Wyoming
Overview
Location	Golden, Colorado	Laramie, Wyoming
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	76.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	56.9%	96.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1310 - 1470	N/A
ACT range	29 - 33	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	53.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%
Total number of applicants	12,022	5,645
Total number of admissions given out	6,838	5,463
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,449	1,477
Yield rate	21.2%	27.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $34,245 Out of state: $55,545	In state: $21,805 Out of state: $36,355
Average net price	$26,179	$10,452
Tuition	In state: $17,160 Out of state: $38,460	In state: $4,620 Out of state: $19,170
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,196 Meal plan: $6,520	Room/dormitory: $4,822 Meal plan: $6,322
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $10,778	96.0% Average amount $10,164
Students receiving federal student loan	43.0% Average amount $5,292	26.0% Average amount $4,606
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $24,651	5.0% Average amount $14,983

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,487 Men 68.4% Women 31.6%	8,869 Men 47.3% Women 52.7%
Graduate students	1,700 Men 69.1% Women 30.9%	2,610 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	41.2%
International students	8.8%	4.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	2,445	2,873
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado Texas California Washington Illinois	Wyoming Colorado California Texas Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Physical Science Mathematics and Statistics Engineering Technologies	Education Health Professions Business Engineering Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	60.2%
Dropout rate	10.5%	12.3%
Transferred out	4.8%	24.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $94,022 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $99,390 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,458 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $97,622 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,719 Year 2: $77,966 Year 3: $94,221 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,308 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $91,467 Geological/Geophysical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $119,159 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $90,384 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,554 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $84,256 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,556 Year 2: $70,886 Year 3: $82,164 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,256 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $82,134 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,029 Year 2: $64,865 Year 3: $78,404 Engineering Physics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,721 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $77,926	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,669 Year 2: $125,611 Year 3: $125,487 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,157 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $92,872 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $66,915 Year 3: $73,539 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,304 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,166 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,738 Year 2: $66,369 Year 3: $69,050 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,867 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $69,035 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,336 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $67,823 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,165 Year 2: $55,383 Year 3: $66,607 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,016 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $63,163 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,106 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $61,734

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Colorado School of Mines and the University of Wyoming?

Colorado School of Mines is renowned for its STEM-focused curriculum, particularly in engineering, applied science, and resource management. The University of Wyoming offers a broader range of academic programs, including strong offerings in agriculture, business, education, and the humanities, in addition to its STEM programs.
How do the student populations and campus environments compare?

Colorado School of Mines has a smaller, more technically oriented student body, fostering a close-knit and academically intense environment. The University of Wyoming has a larger and more diverse student population, offering a wider range of social and extracurricular activities and a more traditional college town atmosphere.
What is the difference in tuition and cost of attendance between the two universities?

Generally, Colorado School of Mines tends to have a higher cost of attendance, especially for out-of-state students, due to its specialized programs and high demand. The University of Wyoming typically offers more affordable tuition, particularly for in-state residents, making it a potentially more budget-friendly option. Be sure to check the latest figures on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the research opportunities differ at Colorado School of Mines and the University of Wyoming?

Colorado School of Mines is heavily focused on research related to energy, materials, and earth resources, providing students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in these fields. The University of Wyoming offers research opportunities across a broader spectrum of disciplines, including natural sciences, agriculture, and social sciences, catering to a wider range of research interests.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of each institution?

Colorado School of Mines graduates are highly sought after in the engineering and resource industries, often securing well-paying jobs upon graduation. University of Wyoming graduates find employment in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, business, education, and government, reflecting the university's diverse academic offerings. Both universities have strong career services to assist students with job placement.
How do the locations of Golden, Colorado, and Laramie, Wyoming, impact the student experience?

Golden, Colorado, offers proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains, providing access to a vibrant city and numerous outdoor recreational activities. Laramie, Wyoming, is a smaller college town with a more rural setting, offering a close-knit community and easy access to outdoor adventures in the Snowy Range Mountains. The choice depends on your preference for urban amenities versus a more relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each school?

Colorado School of Mines offers a range of clubs and organizations geared towards engineering and science interests, as well as outdoor adventure clubs. The University of Wyoming boasts a wider variety of student organizations, including Greek life, performing arts groups, and clubs related to diverse academic and social interests, catering to a broader range of student passions.
How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare?

Colorado School of Mines is generally more selective, with a lower acceptance rate, reflecting its strong reputation and specialized programs. The University of Wyoming typically has a higher acceptance rate, making it potentially more accessible to a wider range of students. Both universities consider academic performance, standardized test scores (if required), and extracurricular involvement in their admission decisions.
What are the strengths of the faculty at each institution?

Colorado School of Mines faculty are experts in their respective engineering and science fields, often with industry experience, providing students with practical and relevant knowledge. The University of Wyoming faculty are accomplished researchers and educators across a broad range of disciplines, offering students diverse perspectives and expertise.
Which school is better for someone interested in a specific engineering discipline, like petroleum engineering?

If you're specifically interested in petroleum engineering or a similar resource-related field, Colorado School of Mines is likely the stronger choice due to its focused expertise and industry connections in those areas. While the University of Wyoming may offer related programs, Mines' reputation and resources in these specific fields are generally considered superior.

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