Enrolling at one of the most affordable petroleum engineering schools for a master’s is a great way to advance your career in the oil and gas industry. Petroleum engineering jobs make up a massive sector of available energy jobs. A petroleum engineering master’s degree provides knowledge for a lucrative career path. People tend to assume these degrees are expensive, but they do not have to be.
Top Affordable Petroleum Engineering Schools Methodology
For students who want to pursue a petroleum engineering master’s degree, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Affordable Master’s in Petroleum Engineering Programs
#1. University of North Dakota
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Grand Forks, North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers this Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering to its students entirely online. This online masters in petroleum engineering degree covers a variety of topics including geomechanics, reservoir studies, geophysics, and more. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will develop a more advanced understanding of petroleum engineering concepts. The University of North Dakota has designed this program to be completed in two years. The Higher Learning Commission has provided the University of North Dakota with accreditation for this petroleum engineering degree program. A total of 32 credits are needed to earn this degree.
Tuition: $26,850
Score: 100
#2. University of Houston
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Houston, Texas
Students interested in a petroleum engineering degree should consider enrolling at the University of Houston for their Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree program. In this program of study, students will master the skills needed for a career in petroleum engineering. They will build up their engineering skills as they prepare to work in a variety of specializations in completions, drilling, or production. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn this particular degree. The University of Houston has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $26,850
Score: 99.75
#3. Stanford University
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Stanford, California
Stanford University is a great option for students looking for a degree in petroleum engineering. The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering offered by Stanford University offers students the ability to develop their petroleum engineering expertise. Students in this degree program will work through various topics that will prepare them to work the many different jobs needed for petroleum extraction and refinement. Stanford University has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this program.
Tuition: $29,875
Score: 99.5
#4. Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
College Station, Texas
This Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree is offered at Texas A&M University. This degree program has helped Texas A&M University to earn its ranking among the top most affordable petroleum engineering schools. A total of 32 credits are needed to complete this program of study. This study focuses heavily on teaching the engineering and science-related topics needed to work in petroleum engineering. By earning a master’s degree, students will be prepared for higher-level positions after graduating. Texas A&M University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $34,146
Score: 99.25
#5. Texas Tech University
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Lubbock, Texas
Students at Texas Tech University can enroll in this Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree. This petroleum engineering masters degree is designed to teach students the many disciplines needed for more advanced careers in this field. Students will learn enhanced oil recovery solutions, drilling and completions methods, production optimization, and much more. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Texas Tech University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Texas Tech University estimates that students will be able to earn this degree in about two years.
Tuition: $42,070
Score: 99.25
#6. West Virginia University
Master of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University is among the most affordable schools for petroleum engineering. Students at West Virginia University can enroll in their Master of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering to prepare themselves with the skills needed to work in the gas industry. Topics covered in this study program include drilling and well completion, reservoir characterization, development of unconventional oil and gas resources, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. West Virginia University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. This degree provides students with the training needed to work in the oil and gas profession.
Tuition: $50,640
Score: 99
#7. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Rolla, Missouri
Students enrolled at the Missouri University of Science and Technology can rest assured they are studying at one of the most affordable petroleum engineering schools. Missouri University of Science and Technology offers students a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Missouri University of Science and Technology has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. By pursuing this degree program, students will learn how to plan, supervise the drilling of wells, evaluate oil and gas production, and predict future production.
Tuition: $60,380
Score: 98.75
#8. University of Southern California
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Los Angeles, California
The University of Southern California has ranked among our most affordable schools for petroleum engineering degrees. Students choosing to study at the University of Southern California can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. Students in this study program will develop a multi-disciplined education in chemistry, mathematics, geology, fluid mechanics, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. By completing this degree, students will be prepared to work as petroleum engineers in various contexts.
Tuition: $64,440
Score: 98.5
#9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Socorro, New Mexico
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers this Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering, helping the school rank among the most affordable petroleum engineering schools. Students who complete this degree will have learned the skills needed to be highly competitive in petroleum engineering. Courses in this program include Formation Evaluation, Drilling Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, Production Engineering, and more. The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $73,440
Score: 98.5
#10. Colorado School of Mines
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Golden, Colorado
The Colorado School of Mines offers students this Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree, helping the school secure its ranking among the most affordable petroleum engineering schools. Students in this program will work to bolster their understanding of engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics to excel in petroleum engineering. The Colorado School of Mines has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Those who complete this degree will have worked through a program that has helped them develop the skills needed to be competitive in the petroleum industry.
Tuition: $112,050
Score: 98
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This concludes our ranking of the most affordable schools for a master’s in petroleum engineering 2021.
NPCO Staff
February 2021
