Average GPA: 3.75+ (about 75% of enrolled first-years)
🎓 How Mines Decides (and Pays)
Mines is a STEM-only public research university in Golden, in the foothills west of Denver. Every student takes Calculus I, II and III plus Differential Equations, and Mines says about 80% of admitted students finished Calculus 1 or higher in high school. Your student can apply with the Golden App or the Common App, and Mines says it has no preference between them.
Here’s the part that surprises families: Mines is test-optional for scholarships too, not just admission. The same review that decides admission also decides the merit award, and both show up in the same letter.
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Colorado School of Mines (Read This First)
Merit comes with the admission letter. There’s no scholarship form for the President’s Scholarship or Provost Award. Apply by Nov 1 and the merit decision arrives by Dec 15. Your student must be fully admitted by May 1 to be reviewed at all.
Colorado families: Nov 1 is the date that matters. The Mines Golden Guarantee (guaranteed admission plus at least $2,000 a year) only works if the application is in by Nov 1.
One Mines scholarship, highest amount wins. If your student qualifies for two Mines awards, they keep the bigger one. They don’t stack. Athletic and music awards are the exception.
Feb 1 comes before Mar 1. The two biggest competitive awards, Harvey and Grewcock, close Feb 1, 2027. That’s a full month before the Mar 1 “priority” date everyone talks about.
No WUE, no waivers. Mines does not take part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange. Out-of-state families pay the non-resident rate, and merit is the main way to close the gap.
Don’t wait for a better offer. Mines says it doesn’t typically make new scholarship offers late in the cycle. Decide based on what’s in hand plus the published spring timelines.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes, for admission. Colorado School of Mines is test-optional for admission.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30–34; SAT: 1330–1460.
Average net price? About $27,978/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No broad regional reciprocity path.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Colorado School of Mines: 2026–2027 Rates
Figures verified against official sources in October 2026.
📅 Planning for 2027–2028? These are the 2026–2027 rates, the newest Colorado School of Mines has published. Colleges usually release next year's costs in the spring, and we update this page when they do.
Budgeting tip: costs typically rise 2% to 5% a year. For 2027–2028, plan on roughly
$800 to $2,100 more than the in-state total below.$1,300 to $3,300 more than the out-of-state total below.
In-State: billed cost per year
$41,906
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$23,006
Housing & meals (typical)
$18,900
Total billed cost
$41,906
Out-of-State: billed cost per year
$66,896
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$47,996
Housing & meals (typical)
$18,900
Total billed cost
$66,896
That is $24,990 more per year than Colorado residents pay, before any waivers or scholarships.
Average federal net price: $27,978 per year.
This is what first-time, full-time students who received grant aid paid after grants and scholarships, for in-state students only, based on the most recent federal data. It counts books and living costs, so it can run higher than the billed total above. Families who got no grants are not in this average, so many middle-income families pay more. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-state families: this average does not include you. Run the college's own net price calculator for a number based on your situation.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at Colorado School of Mines
Why does the in-state tuition say “after COF”?
COF is the College Opportunity Fund, a stipend from the state of Colorado that pays part of tuition for eligible resident students. Mines already subtracts it from the resident tuition figure, so don’t subtract it again. Your student does have to authorize the COF stipend to get it.
Is Mines part of WUE?
No. Mines does not take part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange or any other regional tuition discount. Mines points families to its automatic merit awards instead. For non-residents, the President’s Scholarship reaches $16,000 a year.
Can an out-of-state student switch to in-state tuition later?
Residency is set through Colorado’s tuition classification rules, and it’s hard to change while enrolled as a dependent student. If your student does become a resident, Mines resets their merit award to the resident amount, which is lower. Plan on paying the non-resident rate for all four years.
Do merit scholarships cover housing?
No. The Provost Award, President’s Scholarship and Golden Guarantee pay toward tuition and fees only. Housing, meals and books come from savings, need-based aid, or the more flexible PASCAL scholarships like Starzer and Bliss.
Do first-year students have to live on campus?
Yes. All first-years live on campus and need a meal plan. The housing and food line in the table assumes a double room and an average meal plan. Singles cost more.
What about summer Field Session?
Many Mines majors require a summer field session, and summer is billed separately. The standard merit awards don’t cover summer at all. Check the tuition and fee schedule for your student’s major so it doesn’t catch you off guard.
My student needs a new laptop. Can aid help?
Yes, indirectly. You can file a Budget Review Request to raise the cost of attendance for reasonable one-time costs like a computer. That doesn’t add grant money, but it lets your student borrow more if needed.
Nov 1: Priority application date. Required for the Golden Guarantee, and gets the merit decision back by Dec 15.
Mid-December: The General Scholarship Application and PASCAL scholarships open (Dec 15, 2026 for this cycle).
Feb 1, 2027: Harvey and Grewcock applications close.
Feb 15: Last day to send Mines new test scores for merit consideration.
Mar 1: General Scholarship Application priority date, FAFSA or CASFA for Mines Promise, and the Starzer, Bliss and Hope’s Enduring Flame deadlines.
Mid-April: First-round General Scholarship Application awards go out.
Parent rule of thumb: put Nov 1 and Feb 1 on the fridge. Those two dates control most of the big money at Mines.
Automatic Merit Scholarships: Colorado School of Mines
Every admitted student is automatically considered for either the Provost Award or the President’s Scholarship. There’s no separate application, and no FAFSA is needed. Mines is test-optional for merit, and it superscores the ACT and SAT if your student sends scores. Award amounts depend on residency, and they pay toward tuition and fees only.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
One award, not a pile. Colleges apply your student's single best automatic award. Automatic scholarships almost never stack with each other, though some stack with housing, departmental, or outside money. The stacking notes on each card tell you which.
Automatic
President’s Scholarship (Non Resident)
📅 Deadline: No separate deadline. Awarded with the admission decision; apply by Nov 1 for a merit decision by Dec 15. Must be fully admitted by May 1 to be reviewed. ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$12,000–$16,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mines awards either the President's Scholarship or the Provost Award, not both. If a student later qualifies for another Mines scholarship, they keep whichever is worth more.
💡
Strategic Detail
Admission-based merit award for non-residents. Annual amounts run $12,000 to $16,000 and pay toward tuition and fees only. Renewable for 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters with a 2.5 cumulative GPA, reviewed each May. No FAFSA needed to qualify or renew. Does not cover summer terms. If residency status changes, the amount changes with it.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The strongest admitted non-resident applicants. Review is holistic and test scores are optional with equal consideration. Mines says merit leans mostly on unweighted GPA, plus the best test score if one is submitted.
Automatic
Provost Award (Non Resident)
📅 Deadline: No separate deadline. Awarded with the admission decision; apply by Nov 1 for a merit decision by Dec 15. Must be fully admitted by May 1 to be reviewed. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$6,000–$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mines awards either the Provost Award or the President's Scholarship, not both. If a student later qualifies for another Mines scholarship, they keep whichever is worth more.
💡
Strategic Detail
Admission-based merit award for non-residents. Mines' scholarship page lists $6,000 to $10,000 per year; its first-year aid page lists $8,000 to $10,000. Pays toward tuition and fees only. Renewable for 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters, but eligibility is checked every semester: pass at least 67% of attempted credits and keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA. No FAFSA needed. No summer coverage.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted non-residents with a solid academic profile who land just below the President's tier.
Automatic
President’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate deadline. Awarded with the admission decision; apply by Nov 1 for a merit decision by Dec 15. Must be fully admitted by May 1 to be reviewed. ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,500–$7,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mines awards either the President's Scholarship or the Provost Award, not both. Mines Promise can layer on top for full-Pell Colorado families.
💡
Strategic Detail
Admission-based merit award for Colorado residents. Mines' scholarship page lists $2,500 to $7,000 per year; its first-year aid page lists $3,500 to $7,000. Pays toward tuition and fees only. Renewable for 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters with a 2.5 cumulative GPA, reviewed each May. No FAFSA needed to qualify or renew. No summer coverage.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The strongest admitted Colorado applicants. Review is holistic and test scores are optional with equal consideration. Mines says merit leans mostly on unweighted GPA, plus the best test score if one is submitted.
Automatic
Provost Award
📅 Deadline: No separate deadline. Awarded with the admission decision; apply by Nov 1 for a merit decision by Dec 15. Must be fully admitted by May 1 to be reviewed. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mines awards either the Provost Award or the President's Scholarship, not both. Mines Promise can layer on top for full-Pell Colorado families.
💡
Strategic Detail
Admission-based merit award for Colorado residents, typically $1,000 to $2,000 per year toward tuition and fees. Renewable for 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters, but eligibility is checked every semester: pass at least 67% of attempted credits and keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA. No FAFSA needed. No summer coverage.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted Colorado students with a solid profile who land just below the President's tier.
Automatic
Mines Golden Guarantee Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 ✓ Renews
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Colorado residents graduating from a Colorado high school
Colorado resident graduating from a Colorado high school (homeschoolers and ASSET students paying resident tuition included). Either a 3.8+ unweighted GPA, or a 3.6+ unweighted GPA plus a 1420 SAT or 32 ACT. No grade below B- in any math or science course, pre-calculus or trigonometry at minimum, and three years of lab science including chemistry and/or physics.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a guaranteed floor, not an extra award on top of the Provost Award or President's Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Guaranteed admission plus a minimum $2,000 per year merit scholarship for qualifying Colorado students. Applying by Nov 1 is nonbinding; families still have until May 1 to decide. Mines notes the benchmarks are not minimums for admission, and more than a third of Colorado students admitted for Fall 2026 missed at least one of them.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Colorado seniors with strong unweighted GPAs and clean math and science transcripts who get their application in by Nov 1. Missing the Nov 1 date removes the guarantee, though the student can still be admitted and receive merit through regular review.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Mines Promise Program
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and mandatory fees gap coverage after COF, Pell, and other aid
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Built to stack. It fills whatever tuition-and-fee gap remains after the COF stipend, the Provost or President's award, the Pell Grant and the Colorado Grant. Outside scholarships earmarked for tuition can reduce it, since Promise only pays the remaining gap.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full-time tuition and mandatory fees (12 to 19 credits) for Colorado residents pursuing a first bachelor's degree, first-year or transfer. Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, or a Colorado ASSET student. Renewal requires the FAFSA or CASFA by Apr 1 each year, staying full-Pell eligible, and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. Does not cover summer.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Colorado residents whose FAFSA or CASFA shows a Student Aid Index between -1,500 and 0, which is full-Pell territory. For those families, tuition and mandatory fees are covered.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No fixed deadline. Email your PTK certificate and Mines CWID to scholarship@mines.edu after admission. ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 3 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
If a student qualifies for another Mines scholarship, they receive whichever is worth more.
💡
Strategic Detail
Transfer-only award for Phi Theta Kappa members seeking a first bachelor's degree. Must be a US citizen, permanent resident or Colorado ASSET student. Pays toward tuition and mandatory fees; renewable for up to 6 consecutive fall and spring semesters with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Mines does not publish the dollar amount. No summer coverage.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Community college transfers who joined Phi Theta Kappa and are heading to their first bachelor's degree.
Data last verified Oct 4, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Mines’ own pages don’t fully agree on two ranges. The scholarship page lists the Colorado President’s Scholarship at $2,500–$7,000 and the non-resident Provost Award at $6,000–$10,000. The first-year aid page lists $3,500–$7,000 and $8,000–$10,000. Your student’s admission letter is the number that counts.
Automatic Merit: FAQs (Colorado School of Mines)
How do we apply for the President’s Scholarship or Provost Award?
You don’t. Your student’s admission application is the scholarship application. Apply by Nov 1 and you’ll hear about admission and merit together by Dec 15. Apply by Jan 15 and you’ll hear by Feb 15.
Does my student need test scores to get merit?
No. Mines says applications get equal consideration for admission and merit with or without scores. Without scores, Mines bases merit on the unweighted GPA. If your student submits scores, Mines superscores them. A retake taken after applying can still count if it’s reported to admissions@mines.edu by Feb 15.
What’s the Mines Golden Guarantee?
It’s new for students starting in Fall 2027. It’s for Colorado residents graduating from a Colorado high school who apply by Nov 1 and have either a 3.8+ unweighted GPA, or a 3.6+ unweighted GPA with a 1420 SAT or 32 ACT. They also need no math or science grade below B-, pre-calc or trig at minimum, and three years of lab science. Qualifying students get guaranteed admission and at least $2,000 a year in merit. That $2,000 is a floor, not an extra award.
Who qualifies for Mines Promise?
Colorado residents whose FAFSA or CASFA shows a Student Aid Index between -1,500 and 0. That’s the range for a full Pell Grant. For those students, Mines covers whatever tuition and mandatory fees are left after COF, the merit award, Pell and the Colorado Grant. Your student has to file by Mar 1 and refile by Apr 1 every year after.
Can my student get both the Provost Award and the President’s Scholarship?
No, it’s one or the other. If your student later wins a bigger Mines scholarship, Mines gives them the higher amount instead of adding the two together.
How does my student keep the award?
The President’s Scholarship needs a 2.5 cumulative GPA, checked each May. The Provost Award needs a 2.0 GPA and passing at least 67% of attempted credits, checked every semester. Neither covers summer classes. If an award is lost, there’s no probation semester, though students can appeal.
We’re transferring from community college. Is there anything automatic?
Yes, if your student is in Phi Theta Kappa. After admission, email the PTK certificate and Mines CWID to scholarship@mines.edu. The award covers tuition and fees for up to six semesters. Mines doesn’t publish the dollar amount.
Most of Mines’ big competitive money runs through the PASCAL Center. Each award comes with a small scholar community, regular programming and one-on-one advising, not just a check. Your student can’t see these applications until they’re admitted and have finished the General Scholarship Application in Trailhead.
⚠️ The essay rule that sinks good applicants
Harvey and Grewcock essays are read with names removed. If your student includes their last name, social media handles, a family business name or a LinkedIn link, Mines disqualifies the application. Read every essay once just for this before hitting submit.
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at Mines?
Aid Type
Stacks with Merit?
Mines Parent Translation
Provost / President’s
N/A
Your student gets one of these. The Golden Guarantee sets a $2,000 floor; it isn’t extra.
Harvey, Grewcock, E-Days
Replaces
These cover full tuition, so they take the place of the admission award.
Other PASCAL awards (Starzer, Bliss, Hope’s Enduring Flame)
Usually no
Mines’ rule is that the highest-dollar Mines scholarship wins, and PASCAL may make your student pick one community.
Mines Promise
Yes
Built to sit on top of the merit award, Pell and the Colorado Grant for full-Pell Colorado families.
Athletic and music awards
Yes
Mines specifically excludes these from the “higher amount wins” rule.
Outside scholarships
Usually
Your merit award stays the same unless the outside award is earmarked for tuition or pushes total aid past the cost of attendance. Need-based aid can shrink.
Full TuitionApp Required
Harvey Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Feb 1, 2027 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, mandatory fees, one summer Field Session, plus $7,000 enrichment grant
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Highly competitive program for top first‑year applicants that pays full Mines tuition and mandatory fees for four years, plus an enrichment grant
🏫 3.8+ GPA👥 ~12 winners/yr3.80+ unweighted GPA, US citizen or permanent resident, entering Mines the fall after high school graduation, and admitted to Mines (confirming enrollment is not required to apply).
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the admission award rather than stacking on it.
📄
How to Apply
Get admitted, complete the General Scholarship Application in Trailhead, then answer the three Harvey essays. Leave out your last name, social media handles and LinkedIn links; identifying details disqualify the application. Finalists interview.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing exceptional academic preparation, leadership, initiative, and performance in the finalist interview process.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays full tuition and mandatory fees (after COF for Colorado residents) for 8 semesters, plus one summer Field Session. Scholars can apply for a $7,000 enrichment grant for study abroad, research or conferences. Renewal: 3.0 GPA, monthly luncheons, and helping review the next cohort's applications.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: No more than 12 first-years a year. The committee looks for a real record of service and a pay-it-forward mindset, not just top grades. Essays are read with names stripped out, and finalists interview over Zoom.
Full TuitionApp Required
Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Feb 1, 2027 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and mandatory fees plus leadership programming
✘ Not stackable
⚠ About 10 new students each year earn a scholarship that pays full Mines tuition and mandatory fees for four years plus leadership programming and funded experiences
👥 ~10 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the admission award rather than stacking on it.
📄
How to Apply
Get admitted, complete the General Scholarship Application in Trailhead, then answer the four Grewcock essays. Essays are de-identified: no last name, social handles, business names or LinkedIn links, or the application is disqualified. Finalists interview virtually.
Selection criteria: Holistic review focused on leadership potential, service, academic strength, and engagement throughout the selection process including the finalist interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees (after COF for Colorado residents) for 8 semesters, plus funded leadership programming, workshops and group travel. Renewal: 3.0 GPA, at least 15 credits a semester, steady engagement in weekly programming, and a campus leadership role or new initiative by graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Ten first-years a year, in-state or out-of-state. Prior titles are not required; the committee wants curiosity, humility and a real desire to grow as a leader. Leadership can mean caring for younger siblings or supervising coworkers, not just club presidencies.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographic
E-Days Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 · 📢 Results: Award notifications go out in mid-April. ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full in-state tuition after COF
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Full Resident-Tuition. Only three awards given annually to Colorado residents. Covers 100% of tuition after COF (Colorado Opportunity Fund) for 4 years.
👥 ~3 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the admission award rather than stacking on it.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Scholarship Application in Trailhead, including the E-Days essay.
Selection criteria: Mines Student Government committee review emphasizing academic preparation and the strength and fit of the E-Days essay.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Three awards a year for Colorado residents. Covers full resident tuition after COF for 8 fall and spring semesters; renew with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. No summer coverage.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong Colorado first-years with a standout essay. A Mines Student Government committee picks the winners, so current students, not admissions staff, read the essays.
Students picked for more than one PASCAL scholarship may have to choose one.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Scholarship Application, then answer the three Starzer short-answer questions in the portal. Finalists interview with the review committee.
Selection criteria: Holistic review focused on demonstrated commitment to community service, mission-based work, and alignment with servant-leadership values.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $10,000 per year, renewable for four years, usable for tuition, fees, books, housing and food. Mines' aid office lists a $5,000 to $10,000 range. Renewal: 2.85 cumulative GPA, a service project with a local nonprofit, and active participation in the scholar community. Preference to Colorado high school graduates; out-of-state and international students are encouraged to apply.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-years with demonstrated financial need and a genuine service record. The committee wants humility and mission-driven work, not a padded list of volunteer hours. Finalists interview.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bliss First-Generation Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Mar 1, 2027 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$6,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students picked for more than one PASCAL scholarship may have to choose one.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Scholarship Application, answer the two Bliss questions in the portal, and file the FAFSA or CASFA.
Selection criteria: Review focused on the two short-answer prompts — what the student hopes to gain from college beyond the degree, and a moment of meaningful impact on a peer. Quality and reflection valued over quantity.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
For first-generation students (first in the family to earn a bachelor's degree), first-year or transfer. The PASCAL Center lists awards up to $6,000 a year depending on eligibility; the financial aid office lists $5,000. Usable for tuition, books, fees, room and board. Renewable up to four years; paid fall and spring only. A FAFSA or CASFA is required as part of the application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-gen students who can show a commitment to community and to supporting other first-gen students at Mines. The application is two short answers, so voice and honesty matter more than polish.
Data last verified Oct 4, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
When are the competitive scholarship deadlines?
Harvey and Grewcock close Feb 1, 2027. Starzer and Bliss close Mar 1, 2027. E-Days runs through the General Scholarship Application, which has a Mar 1 priority date. Everything opens Dec 15, 2026, and Grewcock essay prompts come out Dec 1.
How many students win?
Very few. Harvey takes no more than 12 first-years, Grewcock takes 10, and E-Days gives out 3. Starzer and Bliss are bigger cohorts, but they target specific students: those with financial need and service experience for Starzer, first-generation students for Bliss.
Can out-of-state students apply?
Yes for Harvey and Grewcock. E-Days is Colorado-only. Starzer prefers Colorado high school graduates but encourages out-of-state and international students to apply. Harvey also requires a 3.80 unweighted GPA and US citizenship or permanent residency.
Does my student need leadership titles for Grewcock?
No. Mines says prior leadership experience isn’t necessary. Caring for younger siblings, tutoring or supervising coworkers all count as leadership. The committee cares more about curiosity, humility and wanting to grow.
What if my student wins two?
Mines will usually ask them to pick one community, and they keep the higher-dollar award. Apply to everything that fits anyway. Picking between two offers is a good problem to have.
How should my student prepare?
Start drafting in December so the essays aren’t rushed before Feb 1. Our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder help organize service, leadership and family responsibilities into strong short answers.
At Mines, the General Scholarship Application is the key to almost everything beyond the automatic award. It isn’t required for the Provost Award or President’s Scholarship, so a lot of families skip it. They don’t realize every PASCAL and department scholarship stays hidden until it’s done.
Watch for the December email after admission, then log into Trailhead.
Finish the General Scholarship Application right away, well before the Feb 1 deadlines.
Open every new application that appears. Each one has its own deadline, and some come before Mar 1.
File the FAFSA or CASFA by Mar 1. Several of these awards are need-based.
Screenshot each submission confirmation.
Parent translation: skip this one form and you’re only in the running for the automatic award.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t make the brochures. Some are for Colorado families with high need, some only open after the first year, and some depend on your student’s major. They’re easy to miss and worth real money.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hope's Enduring Flame Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1, 2027 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Colorado residents with high financial need
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students picked for more than one PASCAL scholarship may have to choose one.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Scholarship Application, answer the one Hope's Enduring Flame essay in the portal, and file the FAFSA or CASFA.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $10,000 a year, renewable up to four years. For Colorado residents with high financial need as determined by the financial aid office. Special consideration each year for Business Engineering and Management Science majors. Scholars meet monthly for workshops with the PASCAL Center and the donors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Colorado students with high need who also show academic success, leadership and community service. Few families know it exists because it only appears after the General Scholarship Application is done.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Kiewit Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Posted annually in the scholarship portal. The most recent cycle opened Dec 15 and closed in late February at 11:59 pm, with no late submissions. ✓ Renews (2.9 GPA, 3 yrs)
$20,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Rising sophomores in Construction Engineering
🏫 2.9+ GPA🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students picked for more than one PASCAL scholarship may have to choose one.
📄
How to Apply
During the first year at Mines, complete the General Scholarship Application in Trailhead, then the Kiewit application and its five short-answer prompts.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
For rising sophomores in Construction Engineering. Up to $14,000 a year for Colorado residents or up to $20,000 a year for non-residents, toward tuition and fees for up to 6 semesters. Includes paid summer internship opportunities with Kiewit, site visits, immersion trips and mentoring from Kiewit senior leaders. Requires a 2.9 cumulative GPA, US citizenship or permanent residency, and demonstrated leadership. Preference to students interested in working outside Colorado after graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year Mines students who already know they want construction engineering and can talk about leadership with real examples. Most families never hear about it because it opens after the first year.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Departmental Scholarships (Continuing Students)
📅 Deadline: Varies by department; listed in the scholarship portal, usually in spring. Non-Renewable
Varies
✘ Not stackable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mines generally awards the higher of two Mines scholarships rather than stacking them.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Scholarship Application each year in Trailhead and any department-specific applications that appear.
Selection criteria: Selection typically considers academic performance in the major, engagement with the department, and fit with donor criteria.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Donor-funded scholarships for continuing students, awarded on academic performance at Mines (especially in the major) and on financial need. Mines does not publish amounts; they vary by department and fund.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Upper-division students who do well in their major and are known to faculty. Some awards require a department recommendation.
Data last verified Oct 4, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Money the college does not control. Federal programs, city promise funds, foundations, and employers. The college may help you apply, but someone else writes the check, and these almost always stack with the college's own awards.
Outside MoneyApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
National & Industry-Linked Scholarships (via Mines)
📅 Deadline: Varies by scholarship; each national or industry-linked program sets its own timeline. Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funding levels and stacking rules depend on the specific national or industry-linked scholarship and Mines’ aid packaging policies.
📄
How to Apply
Work with Mines’ Nationally Competitive Scholarships Office to identify opportunities and submit national scholarship applications by each program’s deadline.
Selection criteria: Varies by external program; typically emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, research or service, and strong faculty endorsements.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers a broad set of externally funded scholarships where Mines provides advising and campus nominations; includes programs such as national STEM and public-service awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving students with strong faculty support and competitive profiles for national STEM, research, public service, or industry-sponsored awards.
Data last verified Oct 4, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
What is Hope’s Enduring Flame?
It’s a PASCAL scholarship of up to $10,000 a year, renewable for four years. It’s for Colorado residents with high financial need, with special consideration for Business Engineering and Management Science majors. It’s a single essay, and the deadline is Mar 1, 2027. The FAFSA or CASFA is required.
What’s the Kiewit Scholars Program?
It’s for rising sophomores majoring in Construction Engineering. It pays up to $14,000 a year for Colorado residents or $20,000 a year for non-residents, for up to six semesters, plus paid internship opportunities with Kiewit. Your student applies during their first year at Mines, usually in a December to late-February window. It’s a good reason for an undecided engineering student to look at construction early.
Are there scholarships after freshman year?
Yes. Departments award donor-funded scholarships to continuing students based on grades in the major and financial need. Some require a faculty recommendation. Your student should fill out the General Scholarship Application every year, not just once.
Will outside scholarships hurt our Mines aid?
Usually not the merit award. Mines only reduces it if the outside money is specifically for tuition, or if total aid would exceed the cost of attendance. Need-based grants can drop, and Mines says it uses private scholarships to replace loans and work-study first. Report every outside award to the financial aid office.
We’re in Colorado and our student won Daniels, Boettcher or the Denver Scholarship Foundation. Does Mines do anything with that?
Yes. The PASCAL Center runs scholar communities for Daniels Fund, Boettcher and Denver Scholarship Foundation students. Your student gets the same advising and programming as the Mines-funded cohorts.
Mines doesn’t have a separate Honors College. Instead it runs University Honors and Scholars, a group of programs that any Mines student can apply to. Mines is upfront that honors here means broader, interdisciplinary work. It does not mean more homework or faster pacing. It’s about adding ethics, design, humanities and leadership to a technical degree.
First-Year Honors (Thorson and Grandey): One application covers both. Thorson takes a humanities angle, and Grandey focuses on leadership. Admitted students get an invitation, with the application opening in late November.
McBride Honors Program: Runs sophomore through senior year and leads to an honors minor in Public Affairs. It requires an application plus a recommendation letter from a recent teacher or professor.
Priority Deadline: March 1, 2027 for First-Year Honors. Space is limited, so earlier is better.
Honors Scholarships & Enrichment Awards
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
McBride Honors Enrichment Awards
📅 Deadline: Reviewed on set dates: Feb 13 and Apr 10 for summer and fall travel; Sep 11 and Nov 13 for winter and spring travel. Early applications get priority. Non-Renewable
$1,000–$4,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time project funding that sits alongside merit and need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Honors Enrichment application and budget forms by one of the semester review dates.
Selection criteria: Emphasizes academic merit, quality and feasibility of the proposed project, and alignment with McBride Honors goals in public affairs and leadership.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Project funding for McBride Honors students, typically $1,000 to $4,000, for study abroad, service learning, unpaid internships, research or academic travel. Applicants are automatically considered for the Public Affairs Leadership Award and the Procter & Gamble Foreign Area Study Award. Priority goes to students who have not already received program support.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
McBride students with a well-planned project and a clear budget, especially first-time applicants.
Data last verified Oct 4, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors at Mines doesn’t come with an admission scholarship. The money comes as project funding once your student is in the program.
Deadline Note: First-Year Honors has a priority date of March 1, 2027, the same day as several scholarship deadlines. Mines also hosts two information webinars on January 20 and February 24, 2027 (5 to 6 pm Mountain), if your student wants to compare Thorson and Grandey before choosing.
Other Scholar Programs Worth a Look
Grand Challenges Scholars: A National Academy of Engineering program built around big problems like clean water and solar energy.
Future Energy Scholars: Coursework, leadership and projects focused on the global energy future.
Undergraduate Research and VIPER: Paid research fellowships and long-term faculty research teams that earn academic credit.
Nationally Competitive Scholarships: Help applying for awards like the Goldwater, which a Mines geophysics student won in 2026.
Honors Programs: FAQs (Colorado School of Mines)
Is there an Honors College at Mines?
No. Mines uses honors programs under University Honors and Scholars. Your student applies to the specific program they want, not to a separate college.
Does getting into honors come with a scholarship?
No. Honors at Mines doesn’t add to the admission award. Honors students can apply for Honors Enrichment Awards, typically $1,000 to $4,000, to fund study abroad, research, unpaid internships or academic travel.
Does my student need a perfect GPA or AP classes?
No. Mines says its honors communities aren’t limited by GPA or by access to accelerated high school courses. All Mines students are eligible to apply.
Can my student join McBride later?
Yes. McBride is built for the sophomore through senior years, so first-years apply during their first year. Sophomores, juniors and transfers can also apply if space allows, and should talk to the program director about staying on track to graduate.
Is there honors housing?
Yes. First-Year Honors offers a residential option through Residence Life’s signature learning communities.
Mines isn’t a big university with a strong engineering school. The whole place is the engineering school. Every student, whether they’re headed into computer science or chemistry, goes through the same heavy math and science core. The payoff is a degree employers know on sight: Mines reports more than 1,250 employers recruiting on campus each year. It also ranks among the top three public universities for 40-year return on investment, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
Nationally Known Program: Mining and Earth Resources. QS ranked Mines the #1 mineral and mining university in the world for 2026. The School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy and the School of Earth, Space and Planets are where that reputation lives, and students train underground at the Edgar Experimental Mine. If your student is curious about critical minerals, energy or even space resources, few schools anywhere go this deep.
Mechanical Engineering: The most common bachelor’s degree at Mines, and a flexible launch point into aerospace, robotics and manufacturing.
Computer Science: The second-largest major, paired with a growing data science and robotics footprint.
Metallurgical & Materials Engineering: One of Mines’ signature departments, tied to advanced manufacturing and materials research.
Chemical and Biological Engineering: A large, well-recruited major with strong industry ties.
Geophysics: A small, highly respected field at Mines. A Mines geophysics student won a 2026 Goldwater Scholarship.
Newer frontiers: Quantum engineering, space resources and Construction Engineering, the major behind the Kiewit Scholars Program.
Hands-on work shows up early. First-year design teams work on client projects, many majors require summer field sessions, and senior capstone teams build for sponsors like NASA, Chevron and Denver Water.
🔗 Official Colorado School of Mines Links
Use Mines’ official pages below to confirm deadlines, award amounts and costs before your family makes a decision. When Mines’ pages and this guide differ, go with Mines.
Mines is a different kind of school, and it pays differently too. The automatic award is predictable and doesn’t hinge on test scores. The big money sits in a handful of small, competitive communities that reward character as much as grades. Colorado families have more paths than they may realize: the Golden Guarantee, E-Days, Hope’s Enduring Flame, and Mines Promise for full-Pell students.
Out-of-state families should go in clear-eyed. There’s no WUE discount, and even a top President’s Scholarship leaves a real gap. That’s why the Feb 1 Harvey and Grewcock deadlines matter so much. The families who do best at Mines apply by Nov 1, finish the General Scholarship Application the week it opens, and treat Feb 1 as the real deadline. They don’t wait for spring.
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