Petroleum Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,670/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 18 Petroleum Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $840K $807K $702K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.1x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.4x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 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 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,092
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,750
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,688
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $69,670 at Missouri University of Science and Technology come in 9% above the national median of $64,106 for Petroleum Engineering programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Petroleum Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Petroleum Engineering's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $69,670 far exceeding the $27,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #13 of 18 Petroleum Engineering programs, Missouri University of Science and Technology falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $69,670 to $91,688 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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
Petroleum engineers $141,280/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Petroleum Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Petroleum Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?
This program scores 67/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Petroleum Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Petroleum Engineering careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $701,587 in decade earnings vs $840,452 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →