2025 Best Colleges for Petroleum Engineering

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 170 majors. Sn encouraging 36% of course sections enroll nineteen or fewer students. Opportunities for undergraduate research vary by school, and many student must compete for slots in programs such as Summer Research Scholars or use the Eureka database to find individual professors offering research assistantships. A robust study abroad program boasts 400 offerings in 100+ foreign countries; 4,600+ students participate each year, the third-largest number in the country.

Professional Outcomes:  Over 1000 alumni work in the offices of Dell, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte; IBM, Meta, Oracle, and AMD employ over 500 each. Graduates early in their careers earn a median salary of $77,400, with median mid-career pay reaching $141,100. Roughly one-quarter of University of Texas at Austin undergraduates go on to pursue advanced degrees after completing their bachelor’s. Many pursue advanced study at UT Austin itself, which offers more than one hundred graduate programs. Many alumni stay in Texas after graduation, settling in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Academic Highlights: Classes are rarely small as Mines possesses a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The average class has 34 students, and only 18% of sections have an enrollment under twenty. Yet, that does not translate into a lack of hands-on opportunities. All Mines students must take a two-semester sequence of courses called EPICS (Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence) in which they tackle an open-ended design problem as part of a small team. Freshmen also take Cornerstone Design, in which teams of students must solve real-world design problems. In a given year, roughly 125 students are awarded Mines Undergraduate Research Fellowships and work as research assistants on faculty-led projects.

Professional Outcomes: Recent grads landed industry jobs or full-time graduate school positions at a clip of 94%. Companies employing massive numbers of Mines’ grads include Lockheed Martin, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, United Launch Alliance, Chevron, and Xcel Energy. Those finding employment enjoyed an average starting salary of $76,400. While alums pursuing further education were accepted into Stanford, Columbia, and Northwestern, 56% of grad students chose to continue their studies at Mines.

Academic Highlights: With sixteen schools and colleges and 140+ undergraduate degree programs, Texas A&M is a massive operation. Class sizes trend large, but 25% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and personal connections with professors are entirely possible, particularly through the research-oriented LAUNCH program. A&M excels in facilitating study abroad experiences, sending over 5,600 students to 110+ countries in a typical year, the most of any public university in the United States.

Professional Outcomes: On graduation day, 79% of students had already received at least one job offer or were heading to graduate/professional school. Many Aggies go on to work at major oil, tech, and consulting firms; Amazon, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, Apple, Halliburton, and Google each employ more than 500 alumni. Starting salaries were strong—on average grads netted around $65k. The vast majority of graduates remain in Texas with Houston, Dallas, College Station, Austin, and San Antonio top in popularity.

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers 275 majors and a number of top-ranked programs in a host of disciplines. Unlike some public research universities that can have student-to-faculty ratios greater than 20:1, PSU boasts a solid 15:1 ratio. That level of support allows 61% of classes to have an enrollment below thirty students.  Even at such a large institution, it is possible to get involved in undergraduate research. Eberly College of Science professors are running upwards of 3,000 research projects per year, and the school has a well-maintained and up-to-date database of undergraduate research positions. All told, 16% of graduates report having engaged in undergraduate research. 22% of a recent graduating class availed themselves of study abroad opportunities in one of 300+ programs in 50+ countries each year.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation, 79% of Nittany Lions have found their next employment or graduate school home. Over a hundred alumni work at Tesla; Deloitte, Amazon, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Accenture each employ over 500 alumni. Three-quarters of recent graduates employed full-time earned starting salaries of greater than $50k. Penn State graduates mostly settle in the Greater Philadelphia area, with New York City and the Washington DC-Baltimore area also proving popular with alumni.

Academic Highlights: The University of Oklahoma offers students a robust selection of 170+ academic programs with the ideal balance of a large research university’s resources and personalized attention (17:1 student-faculty ratio). OU excels in undergraduate research through its innovative Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA), established in 2022 as a centralized hub that awards 50 competitive summer fellowships annually and hosts the UReCA Showcase. This commitment to hands-on learning is complemented by global perspectives, with 25% of Sooners participating in international experiences.

Professional Outcomes: OU graduates launch successful careers quickly, with 79% of the Class of 2024 entering the workforce directly at top employers like Boeing, Paycom, and the U.S. Air Force, earning an average starting salary of $59,000. Other Sooners continue their education at prestigious institutions, including OU’s Health Sciences Center, SMU, and Oklahoma State’s Center for Health Sciences. These outcomes demonstrate OU’s dual strength in preparing students for immediate career success and advanced academic pursuits, particularly in Oklahoma’s key industries.

Academic Highlights: The University of Houston provides students with expansive academic opportunities through nearly 117 degree programs across 16 colleges, serving a globally diverse community from 137 nations. While maintaining an accessible 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UH ensures personalized learning experiences with one-third of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 70% enrolling fewer than 40 students. The university’s research excellence is demonstrated through 12 national research centers, while global perspectives are cultivated via study abroad programs in 39 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UH graduates demonstrate impressive early career momentum, with 19% securing full-time positions and 9% entering graduate programs by commencement day. Alumni are transforming Houston’s professional landscape at leading employers, including Houston Methodist, Baylor College of Medicine, and Spring Branch ISD, while others launch careers with global firms like JPMorgan Chase. Those pursuing advanced degrees predominantly choose top Texas institutions, with the highest percentages continuing at UH itself, followed by Baylor College of Medicine, Rice, UT Austin, and Texas A&M – a testament to the strong reputation of a UH education within the state’s academic and professional networks.

Academic Highlights: Students flock to Morgantown to choose from over 300 majors across WVU’s 12 colleges and schools, enjoying an impressive 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university maintains an exceptional balance in class sizes—44% of sections enroll 19 or fewer students, creating intimate learning environments, while just 16% exceed 50 students. WVU’s Office of Undergraduate Research provides year-round opportunities through faculty mentorship and specialized programs like the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Students showcase their work at three annual Undergraduate Research Symposia and through immersive programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).

Professional Outcomes: Mountaineers launch careers with top employers, including WVU Medicine, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and global energy leader Aramco. The university’s strong industry connections yield excellent returns, with graduates earning median salaries of $67,800 early in their careers —a figure that grows to $121,800 by mid-career. These outcomes demonstrate WVU’s success in preparing students for high-demand fields, with many alumni securing positions at Fortune 500 companies and premier research institutions.

Academic Highlights: Marietta College offers an exceptionally personalized liberal arts experience through 50+ undergraduate majors, supported by one of the nation’s best student-to-faculty ratios at 9:1. With an average class size of just 12 students and a diverse community representing 32 states and 14 countries, every Pioneer benefits from close mentorship. The curriculum culminates in a required senior capstone project, while leadership development thrives through the renowned McDonough Center, one of America’s top leadership programs that integrates business acumen with civic engagement.

Professional Outcomes: Marietta’s career preparation delivers outstanding results, with 90% of graduates employed, in graduate school, or engaged in service within six months. Alumni make their mark at regional powerhouses like Chevron, the Cleveland Clinic, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, while commanding strong mid-career salaries averaging $86,800. These outcomes reflect Marietta’s successful blend of liberal arts critical thinking, hands-on learning through capstones, and professional readiness from its leadership programs.

Academic Highlights: The University of Tulsa offers students an intimate liberal arts experience within a research university framework, with 81 bachelor’s programs across five colleges. Its exceptional 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 13 students create an environment where 64% of courses maintain fewer than 20 enrollees – perfect for meaningful mentorship. Undergraduates gain rare research access through the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Center, working alongside top professors on advanced projects. Global perspectives come alive through study abroad programs spanning 32 countries, rounding out TU’s commitment to experiential learning.

Professional Outcomes: TU’s Class of 2024 achieved outstanding results, with 96% securing positive outcomes – 71% employed, 23% in graduate programs, and 2% pursuing personal growth. Graduates find success across Oklahoma’s leading institutions, including Saint Francis Health System, Williams Energy, and BOK Financial, while commanding a strong average starting salary of $73,000. Those continuing their education predominantly choose regional powerhouses like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, though many remain at TU itself – a testament to the university’s strong graduate programs and loyal alumni network.

Academic Highlights: Montana Tech delivers focused STEM education through its 28 undergraduate programs, combining rigorous academics with hands-on research opportunities. The university’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship while its partnerships with elite organizations like the National Science Foundation and DEVCOM ARL laboratory provide undergraduates with extraordinary research experiences. This practical, industry-aligned approach cements Montana Tech’s reputation as a premier science and engineering institution.

Professional Outcomes: Montana Tech graduates achieve outstanding results, with 84% employed and 9% pursuing advanced education from the Class of 2023, maintaining the university’s decade-long streak of 90%+ career outcomes. Alumni earn a robust average starting salary of $58,454, securing positions at industry leaders like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and NorthWestern Energy. While many build careers in Butte, Montana Tech’s strong industry connections ensure graduates are equally competitive in national and global energy and engineering markets.

Academic Highlights: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers students a comprehensive academic experience with 80 undergraduate majors to choose from. Through the innovative Advance: Student Research Experience program, undergraduates collaborate directly with nationally and internationally recognized faculty on groundbreaking research and creative projects. While maintaining an accessible 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship that prepare students for professional success.

Professional Outcomes: UL Lafayette graduates launch rewarding careers with industry leaders across multiple sectors, including Ochsner Health, Chevron, Halliburton, and JP Morgan Chase. With early career median earnings of $59,900 growing to $109,200 at mid-career, alumni demonstrate strong earning potential. Many graduates choose to build their careers in Louisiana’s key economic hubs, with significant concentrations in Lafayette, Greater Houston, and Greater New Orleans – reflecting the university’s vital role in developing talent for the region’s workforce needs.

Academic Highlights: The University of Wyoming provides a comprehensive public university experience through its nine colleges, offering 85 undergraduate majors and interdisciplinary programs to a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 82 countries. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 42% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, UW combines the resources of a research institution with personalized attention.

Professional Outcomes: UW graduates achieve solid career outcomes, with 72% of recent alumni finding success through employment (53%), graduate education (17%), or military/service (2%). The university serves as a vital talent pipeline for Wyoming’s key institutions, including Laramie County School District and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, while also placing graduates with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service. For those pursuing advanced degrees, UW alumni gain admission to prestigious programs at Harvard, Stanford, and Duke, among others. With a median early career salary of $50,000, graduates demonstrate the strong return on investment of a UW education.

Academic Highlights: The University of North Dakota offers students an expansive academic portfolio with 116 undergraduate majors, all supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters personalized learning. With 41% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and only 9% exceeding 50, UND combines the resources of a research university with the close-knit feel of a smaller institution. Students engage in hands-on research through specialized centers like the Energy & Environmental Research Center and Human Nutrition Research Center, tackling critical challenges while still undergraduates.

Professional Outcomes: UND graduates launch careers with industry leaders across multiple sectors—from healthcare giants (Sanford Health, Mayo Clinic) and aviation leaders (Delta, United Airlines) to Fortune 500 companies (Target, Amazon). The university’s strong career preparation yields impressive financial returns, with alumni earning median salaries of $68,200 early in their careers, which grow to $118,400 by mid-career. UND goes beyond traditional career support through its entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Center for Innovation’s Runway program (offering up to $10,000 in start-up funding) and Mueller internships ($3,000 grants with business coaching), ensuring students can pursue either corporate careers or their own ventures with equal support.

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers students exceptional academic breadth with 190+ undergraduate majors across 14 schools, combining large, research university resources with surprising accessibility. KU’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 41% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students, far outpacing the 16% that exceed 50. Undergraduate research thrives through the Center for Undergraduate Research, while global engagement shines with students participating in 165+ study abroad programs across 70 countries.

Professional Outcomes: KU graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 54% employed full-time and 33% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as both Kansas’s premier educator and top employer, with many graduates contributing to KU Medical Center, Hallmark Cards, and other regional leaders, earning an average salary of $60,000. While hundreds build careers in the Lawrence/Kansas City area, alumni networks flourish in major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas, demonstrating KU’s dual impact as both a state anchor and national talent source.

Academic Highlights: Texas Tech University offers a comprehensive academic experience with 150+ degree programs across 10 colleges, supported by 1,900 faculty members. While the 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio reflects the university’s large size, students still benefit from personalized attention in smaller classes—31% of course sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research is strongly supported through the Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE), which provides research funding, professional development workshops, and an annual showcase at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Professional Outcomes: Texas Tech graduates launch successful careers at top-tier companies, including Dell Technologies, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, and Oracle. The university’s career preparation delivers exceptional financial returns, with alumni earning median salaries of $70,400 in early career roles, climbing to $128,900 at mid-career. These strong outcomes reflect Texas Tech’s strategic alignment with high-growth sectors, with many graduates securing positions in Texas’s booming economy and national industry leaders.

Academic Highlights: Missouri S&T offers students more than 100 undergraduate programs spanning three distinct colleges: Arts, Sciences, and Education; Engineering and Computing; and the innovative Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. With 43% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, the university combines the resources of a STEM powerhouse with personalized attention. Undergraduate research thrives through numerous on-campus research centers, providing hands-on learning opportunities across all disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2024 achieved exceptional outcomes, with 96% securing employment (75%), entering graduate studies (7%), or serving in the military (14%) within six months of graduation. Alumni are highly sought after by industry leaders, including Boeing, Burns & McDonnell, and Caterpillar, with graduates commanding strong starting salaries—averaging $77,383 and reaching as high as $190,000 for top earners. These outstanding results underscore Missouri S&T’s reputation for producing career-ready graduates in high-demand fields.