Best Schools for Mining and Mineral Engineering

Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates earn a median of $72,530 within two years of graduation, ranking #6 out of 292 tracked majors — 104% above the median across all fields. There are 9 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 152 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Montana Technological University graduates earn $84,653 while Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn $65,441 — a $19,212 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates see an average 2% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

9
Schools
$72,530
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#6
of 292 Majors
152
Graduates

Mining and Mineral Engineering by State

Top Mining and Mineral Engineering Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
M

Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · Public

$84,653
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 89.9%
#2
C

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public

$77,715
2yr Earnings
1yr: $71,308
Grads: 19
Acceptance: 59.7%
#3
S

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · Public

$74,953
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 85.3%
#4
U

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

$73,035
2yr Earnings
1yr: $76,657
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 85.7%
#5
U

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public

$71,015
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 92.4%
#6
M

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr: $74,419
Grads: 39
Acceptance: 73.1%
#7
U

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 85.3%
#8
W

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public

$67,288
2yr Earnings
1yr: $57,766
Grads: 31
Acceptance: 86.3%
#9
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$65,441
2yr Earnings
1yr: $69,045
Grads: 37
Acceptance: 57.0%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Mining and Mineral Engineering?
Montana Technological University ranks #1 for Mining and Mineral Engineering with median graduate earnings of $84,653 within two years. There are 9 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates earn?
Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates earn an average of $72,530 within two years of graduation. This is 104% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $65,441 to $84,653 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Mining and Mineral Engineering program?
The average acceptance rate across Mining and Mineral Engineering programs is 79.4%. The most selective program is at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a 57.0% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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