Program Analysis
Graduates earn $80,627/yr, edging above the $71,268 national average for Metallurgical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The 14.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $27,000 in median debt against $80,627 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
With only 4 programs offering Metallurgical Engineering nationally, this is a niche field. Missouri University of Science and Technology ranks #1 among them.
Earnings growth is modest: $80,627 to $93,398 over five years (16% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.