Best colleges for Metallurgical Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 9 U.S. colleges offering Metallurgical Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 8 states.
Metallurgical Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $78,984 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.20 and the Materials Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
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.
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 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $78,984 | 58 | 82% | — | $26,269 |
| 2 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $80,627 | 13 | 64% | — | $27,000 |
| 3 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $71,985 | 14 | 53% | — | $27,500 |
| 4 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $53,478 | 17 | 50% | — | $20,490 |
Specializations within Metallurgical Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.20 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 8 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missourilimited | 1 | $80,627 | Missouri University of Science and Technology |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | $78,984 | Colorado School of Mines |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | $71,985 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
| Texaslimited | 2 | $53,478 | The University of Texas at El Paso |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
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.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Metallurgical Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.20.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.20 (Metallurgical Engineering) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 17-2131 | Materials Engineersprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
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
Knowledge areas
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.
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.
How much do Metallurgical Engineering graduates earn?+
Metallurgical Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $78,984, College Scorecard (2019); the Materials Engineers occupation pays about $120,250 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Metallurgical Engineering?+
Metallurgical Engineering maps to CIP 14.20 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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