Analysis
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.
Where University of North Dakota Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all petroleum engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Dakota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | $73,821 | $86,097 | +17% |
| 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% |
| Montana Technological University | $69,212 | $102,453 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Petroleum Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North DakotaGrand Forks | $10,951 | $73,821 | $86,097 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $86,761 | $111,635 | $17,239 | 0.20 |
 Marietta CollegeMarietta | $38,974 | $82,205 | $88,869 | $27,000 | 0.33 |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $80,460 | $106,480 | $26,090 | 0.32 |
 Colorado School of MinesGolden | $21,186 | $77,400 | $101,481 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
 Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla | $14,278 | $69,670 | $91,298 | $28,950 | 0.42 |
| 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 University of North Dakota, approximately 16% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.