Colorado School of Mines and Colorado Mountain College has announced a new guaranteed admission pathway, giving high-achieving students a clear and affordable route from CMC’s pre-engineering program to Mines, one of the nation’s leading engineering and applied science universities.
The agreement establishes defined academic benchmarks that, when met, guarantee admission to Mines for eligible transfer students. The pathway is designed for students who complete rigorous foundational coursework at CMC and demonstrate strong academic performance in STEM disciplines.
“This is a powerful opportunity for students in our region,” said CMC Dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences John Lawrence. “Students can begin their engineering education close to home, at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges, and know that they have a direct pathway to a top-tier university.”
CMC offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado, allowing students to complete the first two years of an engineering degree at a significantly lower cost before transferring. In many cases, students can begin this pathway even earlier by taking college-level courses through CMC’s concurrent enrollment program while still in high school, accelerating their progress and further reducing the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree.
Under the agreement, students must complete key coursework in calculus, chemistry, physics and computer science, earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25, and receive grades of B or higher in required courses to qualify for guaranteed admission.
The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to engineering education beyond Colorado’s Front Range. For Colorado School of Mines, the agreement represents a new pathway connecting students from Colorado’s mountain and rural communities with opportunities at the premier engineering and applied science university in the state.
"Many talented students in Colorado's mountain and rural communities are looking for accessible pathways to engineering and STEM careers," said Lori Kester, associate provost for enrollment management at Colorado School of Mines. "This agreement provides a clear roadmap for students to start locally, build a strong academic foundation and continue their education at Mines with confidence. It's about helping more students achieve their goals and pursue opportunities that can be life-changing.”
The new partnership builds on CMC’s growing portfolio of engineering transfer opportunities. The college also offers a guaranteed admission pathway to the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, giving students multiple options to continue their education at highly selective institutions.
“The combination of affordability, access and clear outcomes is what makes this so impactful,” said Lawrence. “Students can start early, save money and move forward with confidence.”
The agreement applies to students applying to Mines beginning in Spring 2027 and beyond.
CMC’s pre-engineering program offers the first two years of coursework required for most engineering degrees, with small class sizes and personalized support. Students who do not meet the guaranteed admission criteria may still apply to Mines through the standard transfer process.
For more information about CMC’s pre-engineering program and transfer pathways, visit https://colomtn.me/preengineering.
About Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. Learn more at mines.edu.
About Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College provides affordable, high-quality education and hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand careers in rural mountain communities. Approximately 14,000 students attend CMC annually and the college is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. In 2021, the college was designated by state law as a Dual Mission institution, joining an estimated 400 institutions – most of them in rural parts of the country – that offer an intentional blend of liberal arts programs and hands-on career skills training as well as a mix of undergraduate programs and specialized certificates. Visit ColoradoMountain.edu for more information.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
