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Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,984/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (20,100 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 4 Metallurgical Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $840K $813K $705K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.6x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 68% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$84,744
Out-of-state: $177,504 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,960
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,745
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,910
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $78,984/yr, edging above the $71,268 national average for Metallurgical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Metallurgical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,745 in median debt against $78,984 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Metallurgical Engineering is offered at just 4 schools in our analysis. Colorado School of Mines's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

The limited growth from $78,984 to $93,910 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Colorado School of Mines

With a 60% acceptance rate, Colorado School of Mines is moderately selective, enrolling 5,801 students in Golden, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado School of Mines →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Materials engineers $108,310/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 4 schools offering Metallurgical Engineering →

Metallurgical Engineering at Other Schools

Missouri University of Science and Technology ($80,627) South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($71,985) The University of Texas at El Paso ($53,478)

Other Majors at Colorado School of Mines

Computer Science ($86,268) Mining and Mineral Engineering ($83,309) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,815) Petroleum Engineering ($77,400) Mechanical Engineering ($74,145) Engineering Physics ($72,858) Civil Engineering ($70,301) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($69,102)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
At 65/100, Colorado School of Mines's Metallurgical Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
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 →