Analysis
UT Permian Basin's petroleum engineering program produces graduates who start below average but surge past most peers by year four. While first-year earnings of $61,299 trail both state and national medians by roughly 10%, the trajectory flips dramatically—graduates reach nearly $100,000 by year four, a 63% jump that suggests strong industry connections in the Permian Basin oil region.
The challenge is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which makes these numbers less reliable than flagship programs like UT Austin or Texas A&M. Still, the debt load of $24,500 is manageable relative to that $100K four-year mark, creating a reasonable payoff even if actual outcomes vary. Being located in Odessa—the heart of oil country—likely explains both the initial lag (graduates may start in field positions rather than engineering offices) and the strong mid-career numbers.
For families comfortable with some uncertainty in the data and willing to bet on the Permian Basin's oil economy, this program offers a clear path to six-figure earnings within a few years at an accessible school. Just understand you're getting a regional outcome that could swing significantly based on oil prices and where your child actually lands their first job.
Where The University of Texas Permian Basin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all petroleum engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | $61,299 | $99,979 | +63% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $69,603 | $123,170 | +77% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $86,761 | $111,635 | +29% |
| Texas Tech University | $80,460 | $106,480 | +32% |
| University of Houston | $52,295 | $84,507 | +62% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Petroleum Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa | $10,904 | $61,299 | $99,979 | $24,500 | 0.40 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $86,761 | $111,635 | $17,239 | 0.20 |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $80,460 | $106,480 | $26,090 | 0.32 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $69,603 | $123,170 | $19,000 | 0.27 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $52,295 | $84,507 | $23,366 | 0.45 |
 Texas A&M University-KingsvilleKingsville | $9,892 | $43,257 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $67,567 | — | $25,875 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with petroleum engineering graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The University of Texas Permian Basin, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.