Compare 9 Mining and Mineral Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $96,159. Top programs: $120,031+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Mining and Mineral Engineering tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $71,015 to $120,031—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The $49K spread means where you study mining engineering matters far more than which school's name appears on your diploma.
Topping the list, the University of Arizona's Mining and Mineral Engineering program delivers $120,031 in median earnings—well above the $96,159 field average. Close behind, Colorado School of Mines ($109,695) and West Virginia University ($109,619) demonstrate that regional public institutions can match or exceed more broadly recognized schools on program outcomes. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Arizona graduates borrow $19,620 in student loans and face just a 2.8% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. Even when parent loans are included, the combined family burden sits at 7.6%—still 'Excellent'—meaning loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income at the field's top-earning program.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $120,031 | 11 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Excellent |
| #2 | Colorado School Of MinesPublic | $109,695 | 20 | $23,000 | Excellent | $53,505 | Manageable |
| #3 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $109,619 | 17 | $22,500 | Excellent | $32,980 | Good |
| #4 | $95,707 | 17 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Good | |
| #5 | $94,397 | 32 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Good | |
| #6 | $91,411 | 7 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $88,904 | 17 | $27,000 | Excellent | $23,390 | Good | |
| #8 | $84,653 | 10 | — | — | — | — | |
| #9 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $71,015 | 16 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
