Geological/Geophysical Engineering at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech's geological and geophysical engineering program tracks closely with national benchmarks, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. First-year earnings of $63,658 land just below the national median of $64,080, while debt of $22,849 is slightly better than the national average. The 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio is solid—graduates owe roughly four months' salary, which they could reasonably pay off within a few years.

What's notable is Michigan Tech's performance relative to Michigan's limited options in this specialized field. With only two schools offering this program in-state, the 60th percentile state ranking suggests Michigan Tech is the stronger choice for Michigan residents seeking this degree without leaving home. The program also benefits from Michigan Tech's location in Michigan's mineral-rich Upper Peninsula and its strong ties to the mining and resource extraction industries.

The caveat here is unavoidable: with such a small cohort, one or two students landing particularly high or low-paying jobs can swing these numbers considerably. That said, the debt load is manageable enough that even if earnings dip below these medians, graduates aren't locked into financial stress. For students genuinely interested in this niche engineering field, Michigan Tech offers reasonable preparation at an accessible price point, particularly given the school's 88% admission rate and established industry connections.