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Petroleum Engineering at University of Wyoming

Laramie, WY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $66,221/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Medium (19,800 openings/yr)

ROI 35.4x earnings multiple (10.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #6 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	$1,034K	$982K	$831K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	37.3x	35.4x	29.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.4x	10.8x	9.1x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	49%
DegreeOutlook Score	73	71	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)

$27,752

Out-of-state: $90,872 (10.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,116

-70% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,188

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$108,773

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $66,221/yr, roughly in line with the $64,106 national median for Petroleum Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 35.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Petroleum Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $66,221 far exceeding the $24,188 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #6 ranking among 18 Petroleum Engineering programs places University of Wyoming in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $66,221-to-$108,773 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,047 students in Laramie, WY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wyoming →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Petroleum Engineering at University of Wyoming?

At 71/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Petroleum Engineering at University of Wyoming?

The 48% 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 →