Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
67
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,947/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 9 Nuclear Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nuclear Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $779K $749K $659K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.1x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 5.9x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 67 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,112
Out-of-state: $126,712 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,092
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,773
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,902
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,947 per year, Nuclear Engineering graduates from Missouri University of Science and Technology earn slightly above the $72,611 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nuclear Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,773 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Nuclear Engineering is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Missouri University of Science and Technology's #4 ranking should be read in that context.

The limited growth from $77,947 to $86,902 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

With 73% of applicants admitted, Missouri University of Science and Technology prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,467 in Rolla, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri University of Science and Technology →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Nuclear engineers $127,520/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nuclear Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?
At 67/100, Missouri University of Science and Technology's Nuclear Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nuclear Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?
The 49% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →