Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Colorado School of Mines

University Park, PA — Golden, CO

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
Location University Park, PA Golden, CO
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 6,155
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 60.7%
SAT Average 1,337 1,412
In-State Tuition $20,644 $21,914
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $45,824
Avg Net Price $32,875 $28,690
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $23,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 80.9%
Retention Rate 92.6% 92.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $82,950
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $97,335
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 119600.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Colorado School of Mines compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) has an acceptance rate of 60.7%, in-state tuition of $21,914, and median 10-year earnings of $97,335.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Colorado School of Mines?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $97,335 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Colorado School of Mines?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Colorado School of Mines is the more affordable option at $28,690 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 80.9%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025