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Mining and Mineral Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $90,514/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (19,000 openings/yr)

ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (14.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 5 Mining and Mineral Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$892K	$855K	$741K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	21.4x	20.5x	17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	15.1x	14.4x	12.5x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	62	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,600

Out-of-state: $59,200 (14.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,520

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,164

3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $90,514/yr, edging above the $84,287 national average for Mining and Mineral Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 20.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mining and Mineral Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,164 in median debt against $90,514 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Mining and Mineral Engineering is offered at just 5 schools in our analysis. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's #5 ranking should be read in that context.

About South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,042 in Rapid City, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers $101,020/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mining and Mineral Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mining and Mineral Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mining and Mineral Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mining and Mineral Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

The 47% 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 →