2026 Best Value Petroleum Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of North Dakota

#2

Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana

Butte, MT

You'll get strong value at Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Butte, MT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Petroleum Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,329. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana

#3

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin

Odessa, TX

A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin one of the best values in the United States. Based in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Petroleum Engineering program debt is $24,500. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin alumni report median earnings of $56,073 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin

#4

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

A rank of #4 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $26,090 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,090 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#5

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wyoming earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $24,638 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $24,638 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming

#6

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #6 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Petroleum Engineering program debt is $17,239. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #8 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Petroleum Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#9

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Students borrow a median of $23,969 to complete their Petroleum Engineering program here. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mississippi State University report

#10

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #10 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $24,625. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#11

Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Rolla, MO

Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $28,950. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology

#12

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $23,366 to complete their Petroleum Engineering program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $23,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston

#13

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full West Virginia University profile

#14

University Of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their Petroleum Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,866. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks report

#15

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $25,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile

#16

University Of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK

University Of Tulsa landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tulsa, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,546. University Of Tulsa Petroleum Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,408. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of Tulsa profile

#17

Marietta College

Marietta, OH

Marietta College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,652. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,180. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Marietta College report

#18

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Petroleum Engineering program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas

#19

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology

Socorro, NM

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. This public school is set in Socorro, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $9,476, while out-of-state students pay about $27,247. Graduates carry a median of $28,756 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,489. Set against $28,756 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology

#20

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $25,531. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville

#21

University Of Louisiana Lafayette

Lafayette, LA

University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. Typical Petroleum Engineering student debt is $22,806. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,089. That is a strong return on a $22,806 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Louisiana Lafayette profile

#22

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

#23

Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Saint Francis University

#24

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #24 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

#25

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile

#26

University Of Southern California

University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. See the full University Of Southern California profile

#27

Stanford University

Stanford University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. See the full Stanford University profile

#28

Texas A And M International University

Texas A And M International University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools. More on Texas A And M International University

#29

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus

#30

University Of Utah

University Of Utah placed #30 among the best-value Petroleum Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Utah

#31

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#32

The University Of Alabama

The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. More on The University Of Alabama