Petroleum Engineering at Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,212/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,800 openings/yr)
ROI 32.5x earnings multiple (10.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 18 Petroleum Engineering programs Top 25%

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 $1,105K $1,047K $878K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 34.3x 32.5x 27.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.2x 10.6x 8.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,200
Out-of-state: $98,920 (10.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,960
-102% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$116,301
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montana Technological University's Petroleum Engineering graduates start at $69,212/yr — above the $64,106 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 32.5x 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 21% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $69,212 in annual earnings.

At #3 of 18 nationally, this is a top-5% Petroleum Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $116,301 show a 68% jump from the $69,212 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montana Technological University

A 90% acceptance rate means Montana Technological University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,428 students in Butte, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana Technological University →

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 Montana Technological University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Petroleum Engineering at Montana Technological University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Petroleum Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $878,143 in decade earnings vs $1,105,219 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Montana Technological University's Petroleum Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 18 programs nationally, Montana Technological University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →