Best colleges for Mining and Mineral Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Mining and Mineral Engineering by graduate earnings are South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($90,514), University of Arizona ($86,924) and Colorado School of Mines ($83,309), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (Rapid City, SD): $90,514, 20 graduates a year
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): $86,924, 25 graduates a year
- Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO): $83,309, 48 graduates a year
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA): $74,793, 29 graduates a year
Compare 15 U.S. colleges offering Mining and Mineral Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 14 states.
Mining and Mineral Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $85,897 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.21 and the Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Mining and Mineral Engineering programs
The Mining and Mineral Engineering program focuses on the extraction of minerals from the ground, integrating various disciplines such as geology, metallurgy, and surveying. This program is designed for students interested in managing all phases of mining operations, from exploration to mine closure, ensuring safe and efficient practices in the industry.
Students will develop core skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics, along with knowledge in engineering technology and production processes. Coursework typically includes preparing technical reports, inspecting mining areas, and planning mining operations to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.
Top 5 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 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD Public · Bachelor's degree | $90,514 | 20 | 53% | — | $27,914 |
| 2 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $86,924 | 25 | 68% | — | $11,500 |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $83,309 | 48 | 82% | — | $25,000 |
| 4 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $74,793 | 29 | 86% | — | $20,907 |
| 5 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WV Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $85,897 | 12 | 65% | — | $24,903 |
Specializations within Mining and Mineral Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.21 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | $90,514 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | $86,924 | University of Arizona |
| West Virginialimited | 1 | $85,897 | West Virginia University |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | $83,309 | Colorado School of Mines |
| Virginialimited | 1 | $74,793 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2151, Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Mining and Mineral Engineering can pursue careers in various roles within the mining industry. The job outlook indicates a growth rate of 0.7%, with approximately 400 annual openings and a median wage of $101,020. A typical requirement for these positions is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Mining and Mineral Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.21.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.21 (Mining and Mineral 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 |
| 17-2151 | Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineersprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Mining and Mineral 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
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
Common questions
What is Mining and Mineral Engineering?+
It is a program focused on the extraction of minerals, incorporating various engineering and geological disciplines.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn critical thinking, mathematics, and technical report preparation, among other skills.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 400 annual openings.
What degree do I need for a career in this field?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in Mining and Mineral Engineering.
How much do Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates earn?+
Mining and Mineral Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $85,897, College Scorecard (2019); the Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers occupation pays about $115,410 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Mining and Mineral Engineering?+
Mining and Mineral Engineering maps to CIP 14.21 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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