Compare 9 Mining and Mineral Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $87,184. Top programs: $104,994+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Mining and Mineral Engineering tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $74,953 to $104,994—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Colorado School of Mines leads with graduates earning $104,994, well above the $87,184 average. But the real insight: University of Arizona ($95,216) and University of Kentucky ($92,315) deliver strong outcomes with 86% and 92% acceptance rates respectively, proving accessible programs can compete.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Arizona graduates borrow $19,620 and face just a 3.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Montana Technological University leads for families with a 7.2% combined burden, showing smart choices vary by who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colorado School Of MinesPublic | $104,994 | 14 | $23,000 | Excellent | $53,505 | Manageable |
| #2 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $95,216 | 21 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Good |
| #3 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $92,315 | 18 | $22,500 | Excellent | $30,006 | Good |
| #4 | $84,815 | 20 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $84,653 | 18 | $18,750 | Excellent | $12,000 | Excellent | |
| #6 | $84,596 | 11 | $18,922 | Excellent | $26,150 | Good | |
| #7 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $82,760 | 16 | $22,500 | Excellent | $32,980 | Manageable |
| #8 | $80,353 | 12 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $74,953 | 20 | $27,000 | Excellent | $23,390 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
