Analysis
University of Wyoming's petroleum engineering program tracks slightly below the national median initially but shows impressive upward momentum, with graduates seeing 36% earnings growth to nearly $90,000 by year four. While first-year earnings of $66,221 land just below the national $67,567 median for the field, this program distinguishes itself through strong progression—many petroleum engineering grads see earnings plateau or decline as commodity cycles shift, making UW's consistent growth pattern noteworthy.
The debt picture is manageable at $24,638, yielding a 0.37 ratio that allows most graduates to service loans comfortably even in their first year. As Wyoming's only petroleum engineering program, it serves the state's energy sector directly, which likely explains the steady earnings trajectory—local industry connections and demand provide stability. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide for this degree, though with only one institution offering it, this comparison has limited meaning.
The real question is timing and risk tolerance. Petroleum engineering salaries are heavily tied to oil prices and industry hiring cycles, which have been volatile. However, for students committed to energy careers and comfortable with Wyoming's nearly open-admission environment, this program offers solid financial fundamentals with debt that won't dominate your monthly budget. The four-year earnings data suggests graduates are finding sustained employment rather than boom-bust volatility, which should ease concerns about market exposure.
Where University of Wyoming Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all petroleum engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wyoming 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 Wyoming | $66,221 | $89,957 | +36% |
| 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 WyomingLaramie | $6,938 | $66,221 | $89,957 | $24,638 | 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 |
 University of North DakotaGrand Forks | $10,951 | $73,821 | $86,097 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| 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 Wyoming, approximately 22% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.