Geological Engineeringat Colorado School of Mines
Graduates earn $68,694/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Geological Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $745K; scenarios range from $660K to $773K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines holds a distinctive position in Geological/Geophysical Engineering, a highly specialized field. Your strong financial outlook reflects the deep industry demand for graduates with these unique technical skills, particularly in the energy sector (oil & gas, renewables), mining, and environmental consulting. Mines' reputation ensures strong recruiting pipelines from major players, often including international opportunities. Being in Golden, you're ideally situated near relevant industries and federal agencies, fostering valuable internship and networking connections. While AI's influence is growing, these roles often demand critical on-site judgment, complex problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. To maximize your prospects, prioritize internships that blend field experience with data analysis, allowing you to develop versatile skills that complement technological advancements.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Colorado School of Mines's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Geological Engineering
How Colorado School of Mines stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Colorado School of Mines
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colorado School of Mines, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines
What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
At 61/100, Colorado School of Mines's Geological Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.