The Colorado School of Mines (CSM, also referred to as "Mines" or "The Royal Academy") is a small public teaching and research university devoted to engineering and applied science, with special expertise in the development and stewardship of the Earth's natural resources. Located in Golden, Colorado, CSM was ranked 29th in America among national public universities in 2011. Undergraduate admissions at Mines is selective, with an admissions rate of 46%. Nearly 10,000 students vie each year for 875 spots in the freshman class. The median B.Sc. starting salary is $62,000, . The college was originally founded in 1873 by the Episcopal Church, but in 1874 control was transferred to the Colorado Territory, and CSM became a state institution when Colorado attained statehood in 1876. The school mascot is Blaster the Burro, the athletic teams are called the Orediggers, and the logo (designed by architect Jacques Benedict) is a Reuleaux triangle. Golden, Colorado, established in 1859 as Golden City, served as a supply center for miners and settlers in the area.