Petroleum Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T's petroleum engineering program produces graduates who start strong and accelerate from there—median earnings jump from nearly $70,000 in year one to over $91,000 by year four, a 31% climb that reflects how valuable experience becomes in this technical field. The $28,950 in typical debt ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for this program, meaning 95% of petroleum engineering programs leave students with more debt. Combined with solid first-year earnings, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—manageable by any reasonable standard.

The program performs respectably against national competition, landing at the 60th percentile for earnings despite Missouri not being an oil and gas hub like Texas or Louisiana. That geographic reality matters: petroleum engineers often relocate for the highest-paying opportunities, so your child should expect potential moves to energy corridors. The moderate sample size suggests a smaller, potentially more cohesive program where faculty attention may be easier to secure.

For families weighing engineering disciplines, petroleum offers strong immediate returns with one significant consideration: the industry's volatility tied to commodity prices. The robust earnings growth and low debt load create a solid financial foundation that provides flexibility if energy markets shift. If your child is drawn to extraction engineering and comfortable with career mobility, this delivers strong economics without the crushing debt loads seen at many engineering programs.