Head-to-head · 2026
Adams State University vs Colorado School of Mines
Compare average net price ($12,980 at Adams State University; $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines), ROI score (8.55 vs 8.48), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($44,372 vs $97,335), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Adams State University; 60.7% at Colorado School of Mines) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Adams State University | Colorado School of Mines |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.55 ✓ | 8.48 |
| Avg net price | $12,980 ✓ | $28,690 |
| 4-year avg net price | $51,920 ✓ | $114,760 |
| In-state tuition | $9,824 | $21,914 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,944 | $45,824 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $44,372 | $97,335 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 60.7% |
| Graduation rate | 39.4% | 81.7% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 50.7% | 92.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,250 | 6,155 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1412 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Adams State University | Colorado School of Mines |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,947 ✓ | $16,849 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,392 ✓ | $18,162 |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,921 ✓ | $22,192 |
| Family income $75–110k | $15,787 ✓ | $28,183 |
| Family income $110k+ | $20,274 ✓ | $35,112 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Adams State University | Colorado School of Mines |
|---|---|---|
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 0.2% | 2.7% |
| Chemistry | 0.4% | 1.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Adams State University reports the lower average net price by $15,710 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $62,840 difference over four years ($51,920 vs $114,760).
Colorado School of Mines reports $52,963 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($97,335 vs $44,372). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 50.7% at Adams State University and 92.8% at Colorado School of Mines. Median federal debt among completers is $19,500 vs $23,000, respectively.
2 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Adams State University vs Colorado School of Mines, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Adams State University is cheaper — average net price $12,980 per year vs $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines. The annual difference of $15,710 adds up to about $62,840 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Colorado School of Mines reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $97,335 vs $44,372 at Adams State University. The gap in the federal data is $52,963. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.