Petroleum Engineering at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's petroleum engineering program delivers strong earnings—$73,821 in year one—that beat the national median by about $6,000, placing graduates in the 78th percentile nationally. With debt held to just $27,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates owe roughly five months' salary, which is manageable by any standard. Earnings continue climbing to $86,000 by year four, showing this field rewards early-career experience.

The "premium price" classification appears overstated given the actual numbers. While debt sits slightly above the national median for petroleum engineering programs, it's hardly excessive—and graduates earn enough that most could aggressively pay down loans within a few years if they choose. The program ranks at the 60th percentile within North Dakota, though as the only petroleum engineering program in the state, this comparison means little in practice.

The real consideration is career risk: petroleum engineering salaries fluctuate with oil prices and industry cycles. But for students comfortable with that volatility, UND offers solid training with reasonable debt and immediate earning potential that exceeds most bachelor's degrees. The accessible admission rate means qualified students shouldn't face major barriers to entry, making this a straightforward path for those drawn to the energy sector.