Engineering

Best Metallurgical Engineering institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 10 U.S. colleges offering Metallurgical Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 8 states.

Institutions
10
offering CIP 14.20
States offered
8
with a program page
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
164
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$78,984
1 year after graduation
US pay · Materials Engineers
$116,380
BLS OEWS 2024

About Metallurgical Engineering programs

Metallurgical Engineering is a specialized field within engineering that focuses on the study of metallic elements, their compounds, and alloys. This program is ideal for students interested in materials science and engineering, providing a foundation for understanding the physical and chemical behavior of metals. Students will engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of metallurgy, preparing them for various applications in industry.

Learn more about Metallurgical Engineering

What you'll learn

In this program, students will develop core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics, alongside a strong foundation in chemistry and physics. Coursework typically includes topics related to materials processing, product testing, and quality assurance, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary for successful careers in metallurgical engineering.

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree
$80,6272064%$27,000
2Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO Public · Bachelor's degree
$78,9845882%$26,269
3South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD Public · Bachelor's degree
$71,9852953%$27,500
4The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX Public · Bachelor's degree
$53,4781250%$20,490

Offered across 8 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Missourilimited1$80,627Missouri University of Science and Technology
Coloradolimited1$78,984Colorado School of Mines
South Dakotalimited1$71,985South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Texaslimited2$53,478The University of Texas at El Paso
Alabamalimited1
Montanalimited1
Nevadalimited1
Utahlimited2

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2131, Materials Engineers, and its national outlook.

Graduates of Metallurgical Engineering can expect a promising career outlook, with a projected growth rate of 5.7% and approximately 1,500 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $108,310, with most positions requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+5.7%
Faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$108,310
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
22,770
Materials Engineers
US average pay
$116,380
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$108,310
annual

Top-paying metros

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$155,490avg
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
$154,940avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$152,420avg
Kennewick-Richland, WA
$152,280avg
Boulder, CO
$149,520avg

Related careers

Materials Engineers
$116,380 avg · 22,770 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Metallurgical Engineering programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Science
Critical Thinking
Mathematics
Speaking
Writing
Active Learning

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Production and Processing
English Language

What graduates do on the job

  • Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
  • Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
  • Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
  • Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
  • Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
  • Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.

Tools & technology

ANSYS MultiphysicsAutodesk AutoCADC++Dassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksDigital image correlation DIC softwareFault detection isolation and recovery FDIR softwareFinite element analysis software

Concentrations within Metallurgical Engineering

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Metallurgical Engineering
    CIP 14.2001

    A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and metallurgical principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of metal components of structural, load-bearing, power, tra

Common questions

What is Metallurgical Engineering?+

Metallurgical Engineering is the study of metallic elements, their compounds, and alloys, focusing on their physical and chemical behavior.

What skills will I learn?+

Students will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, science, and effective communication.

What is the job outlook for this field?+

The job outlook for Metallurgical Engineering is faster than average, with a projected growth of 5.7%.

What is the typical education required?+

Most positions in Metallurgical Engineering require a Bachelor's degree.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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