Petroleum Engineering at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,223/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,800 openings/yr)
ROI 24.1x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 18 Petroleum Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $969K $923K $787K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.2x 24.1x 20.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.7x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,380
Out-of-state: $106,660 (8.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,652
-81% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,791
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $61,223 track close to the $64,106 national median for Petroleum Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 24.1x 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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

At $23,000 in median debt against $61,223 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #7 of 18 Petroleum Engineering programs, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $100,791 show a 65% jump from the $61,223 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,496 students enrolled in Norman, OK.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus →

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 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Petroleum Engineering at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus?
This program scores 70/100 — 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 $787,213 in decade earnings vs $968,859 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →