Petroleum Engineering at University of Wyoming

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.