Engineering Physics at Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $72,858/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (52% exposed)
Job Market Large (38,100 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 8 Engineering Physics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering Physics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $879K $837K $714K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 9.9x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.7x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$84,744
Out-of-state: $177,504 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,960
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$96,528
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $72,858 per year, Engineering Physics graduates from Colorado School of Mines earn slightly above the $60,193 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Engineering Physics is offered at just 8 schools in our analysis. Colorado School of Mines's #3 ranking should be read in that context.

A 32% earnings increase from $72,858 to $96,528 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines accepts 60% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 5,801 students in Golden, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado School of Mines →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Physicists $166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Physics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colorado School of Mines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Physics at Colorado School of Mines?
At 65/100, Colorado School of Mines's Engineering Physics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Physics at Colorado School of Mines?
The 52% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →