2026 Best Value Mining & Petroleum Technology Schools

1

Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL

For return on investment in mining & petroleum technology, no school beat Lewis And Clark Community College this year. Located in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Typical student debt for mining & petroleum technology graduates is $9,602. Early-career mining & petroleum technology graduates make about $60,223. Set against $9,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Odessa, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earned it the #2 place for mining & petroleum technology. Set in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $20,052 to complete the mining & petroleum technology program here. Soon after graduation, mining & petroleum technology degree recipients from The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin generally make around $60,503. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin admits about 95% of applicants.

3

South Louisiana Community College
Lafayette, LA

Students looking for strong value in mining & petroleum technology will find it at South Louisiana Community College, which ranked #3. South Louisiana Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lafayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates carry a median of $12,435 in student loans. Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates of South Louisiana Community College earn a median of $38,854 early in their careers. Set against $12,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College
Olney, IL

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mining & petroleum technology schools. Located in the town of Olney, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,260, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Students borrow a median of $9,434 to complete the mining & petroleum technology program here. Early-career mining & petroleum technology graduates make about $38,331. That is a strong return on a $9,434 median debt.

5

L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LA

A rank of #5 makes L E Fletcher Technical Community College one of the best values for mining & petroleum technology. L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Schriever. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates carry a median of $5,396 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mining & petroleum technology degree recipients from L E Fletcher Technical Community College generally make around $50,330. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt.

6

Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA

Nicholls State University came in at #6 for value in mining & petroleum technology this year. Nicholls State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Thibodaux. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Students borrow a median of $18,987 to complete the mining & petroleum technology program here. Soon after graduation, mining & petroleum technology degree recipients from Nicholls State University generally make around $58,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

7

Lackawanna College
Scranton, PA

Lackawanna College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value mining & petroleum technology schools. Set in the city of Scranton, Lackawanna College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,400. Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mining & petroleum technology degree recipients from Lackawanna College generally make around $63,377. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.