Program Analysis
At $56,605/yr, Petroleum Engineering graduates from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College land near the $64,106 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 18.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Petroleum Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
The median debt load of $24,211 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
A #11 ranking among 18 Petroleum Engineering programs places Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $56,605-to-$93,513 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.