Head-to-head comparison
Colorado State University Global vs Colorado School of Mines: which has better ROI?
Option A Denver, CO
Colorado State University Global
- Net price / year
- $16,510
- Earnings, 10 years
- $76,813
- Payback
- 2.3 yrs
Option B Golden, CO
Colorado School of Mines
- Net price / year
- $28,690
- Earnings, 10 years
- $97,335
- Payback
- 2.3 yrs
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.)
| Measure | Colorado State University Global | Colorado 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 |
| Payback | 2.3 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $503,020 | $864,740 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.