Program Analysis
Graduates earn $68,913/yr, edging above the $64,106 national average for Petroleum Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The 21.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $26,000 in median debt against $68,913 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #8 out of 18 programs, West Virginia University's Petroleum Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $68,913 to $92,874 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.