30 Best Colleges for Petroleum Engineering 2024

Petroleum engineering is about extracting oil and gas from the earth. Engineers in this field find ways to drill wells and bring up these resources efficiently. Here are the 30 best colleges for studying petroleum engineering in 2024. Best Colleges for Petroleum Engineering listing includes GPA requirements, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also highlight professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

30 Best Colleges for Petroleum Engineering

1. University of Texas at Austin

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work as petroleum engineers in various companies, managing drilling operations and production processes. They are skilled in using technology to find oil and gas reserves.

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers a top-ranked petroleum engineering program. Students get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art labs and simulation software.

2. Texas A&M University

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in oil and gas companies, focusing on drilling, production, and reservoir management. They are known for their strong problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: Texas A&M offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students learn about drilling, reservoir engineering, and petroleum production.

3. University of Oklahoma

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies.

Academic Highlights: The University of Oklahoma provides a strong foundation in petroleum engineering. The program includes courses in drilling, reservoir management, and well testing.

4. Colorado School of Mines

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work as petroleum engineers, focusing on extracting oil and gas efficiently. They are also involved in developing new drilling technologies.

Academic Highlights: The Colorado School of Mines offers a top-ranked program in petroleum engineering. Students benefit from advanced labs and fieldwork opportunities.

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5. University of Tulsa

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in the oil and gas industry, with roles in exploration, drilling, and production. They are skilled in reservoir management and petroleum economics.

Academic Highlights: The University of Tulsa offers a well-rounded petroleum engineering program. Students gain knowledge in drilling, reservoir management, and production operations.

6. Louisiana State University

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in oil and gas exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

Academic Highlights: LSU offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students study various aspects of the industry, including drilling, production, and well testing.

7. University of Southern California

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work as petroleum engineers, focusing on drilling and production operations. They also work in developing new technologies for the energy sector.

Academic Highlights: USC offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students benefit from modern labs and research opportunities in the field.

8. University of Houston

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $77,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are skilled in optimizing oil extraction processes.

Academic Highlights: The University of Houston offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

9. Pennsylvania State University

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in drilling, production, and reservoir management. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on improving extraction techniques.

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers a robust petroleum engineering program. Students study drilling, reservoir management, and production processes.

10. Stanford University

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $90,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in advanced roles in the oil and gas industry, often leading projects in drilling and reservoir engineering. They are known for their innovative approaches.

Academic Highlights: Stanford offers a top-ranked program in petroleum engineering. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and industry experts.

11. University of Alaska Fairbanks

GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in oil and gas exploration and production, particularly in challenging environments. They are skilled in cold-weather engineering techniques.

Academic Highlights: UAF offers a unique petroleum engineering program with a focus on Arctic engineering. Students gain practical experience in cold-weather drilling and production.

12. University of Wyoming

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are known for their hands-on skills and technical knowledge.

Academic Highlights: The University of Wyoming offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain experience in drilling, reservoir management, and production operations.

13. Missouri University of Science and Technology

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on exploration and production. They are skilled in reservoir management and petroleum economics.

Academic Highlights: Missouri S&T offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students study drilling, reservoir management, and production processes.

14. Marietta College

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are known for their practical skills and industry knowledge.

Academic Highlights: Marietta College offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain hands-on experience through labs and fieldwork.

15. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in oil and gas exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

Academic Highlights: The University of Louisiana offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students study various aspects of the industry, including drilling, production, and well testing.

16. Montana Tech of the University of Montana

GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in the oil and gas industry, with roles in exploration, drilling, and production. They are skilled in reservoir management and petroleum economics.

Academic Highlights: Montana Tech offers a well-rounded petroleum engineering program. Students gain knowledge in drilling, reservoir management, and production operations.

17. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

Academic Highlights: New Mexico Tech offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students study various aspects of the industry, including drilling, production, and well testing.

18. University of North Dakota

GPA Requirement: 3.2
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in oil and gas exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

Academic Highlights: UND offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

19. University of Kansas

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are skilled in optimizing oil extraction processes.

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

20. University of Alaska Anchorage

GPA Requirement: 3.3
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in oil and gas exploration and production, particularly in challenging environments. They are skilled in cold-weather engineering techniques.

Academic Highlights: UAA offers a unique petroleum engineering program with a focus on Arctic engineering. Students gain practical experience in cold-weather drilling and production.

21. University of Utah

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are known for their hands-on skills and technical knowledge.

Academic Highlights: The University of Utah offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain experience in drilling, reservoir management, and production operations.

22. West Virginia University

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in the oil and gas industry, with roles in exploration, drilling, and production. They are skilled in reservoir management and petroleum economics.

Academic Highlights: WVU offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students study various aspects of the industry, including drilling, production, and well testing.

23. University of Pittsburgh

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are skilled in optimizing oil extraction processes.

Academic Highlights: The University of Pittsburgh offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

24. University of Wyoming

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are skilled in optimizing oil extraction processes.

Academic Highlights: The University of Wyoming offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

25. University of Alaska Fairbanks

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in oil and gas exploration and production, particularly in challenging environments. They are skilled in cold-weather engineering techniques.

Academic Highlights: UAF offers a unique petroleum engineering program with a focus on Arctic engineering. Students gain practical experience in cold-weather drilling and production.

26. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in oil and gas exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

27. University of North Dakota

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in oil and gas exploration and production. They often hold positions in major energy companies, focusing on drilling and reservoir management.

Academic Highlights: UND offers a comprehensive petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

28. University of Kansas

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are skilled in optimizing oil extraction processes.

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain practical experience through internships and lab work.

29. University of Alaska Anchorage

Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in oil and gas exploration and production, particularly in challenging environments. They are skilled in cold-weather engineering techniques.

Academic Highlights: UAA offers a unique petroleum engineering program with a focus on Arctic engineering. Students gain practical experience in cold-weather drilling and production.

30. University of Utah

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various roles in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and reservoir management. They are known for their hands-on skills and technical knowledge.

Academic Highlights: The University of Utah offers a strong petroleum engineering program. Students gain experience in drilling, reservoir management, and production operations.

Petroleum Engineering Universities – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for petroleum engineering is an important step in your education and career. These 30 Petroleum Engineering Universities offer excellent programs that prepare students for diverse roles in the oil and gas industry. Whether you are interested in drilling, reservoir management, or production, these schools provide the education and opportunities to help you succeed. Explore their programs, visit campuses, and find the best fit for your interests and career goals.