2026 Best Value General Petroleum Engineering Schools in the Southwest Region

1

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Odessa, TX

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earned the #1 spot for value among general petroleum engineering schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,607 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical student debt for general petroleum engineering graduates is $24,500. General Petroleum Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earn a median of $61,299 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

2

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

Students looking for strong value in general petroleum engineering will find it at University Of Houston, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical student debt for general petroleum engineering graduates is $23,366. General Petroleum Engineering graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $52,295 early in their careers. Set against $23,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

3

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general petroleum engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. General Petroleum Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. General Petroleum Engineering graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $61,223 early in their careers. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general petroleum engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,239 to complete the general petroleum engineering program here. Early-career general petroleum engineering graduates make about $86,761. Set against $17,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

5

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general petroleum engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical student debt for general petroleum engineering graduates is $26,090. General Petroleum Engineering graduates of Texas Tech University earn a median of $80,460 early in their careers. Set against $26,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.

6

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #6 for value in general petroleum engineering this year. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. General Petroleum Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Early-career general petroleum engineering graduates make about $120,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.

7

University Of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK

University Of Tulsa earned the #7 position for value in general petroleum engineering this year. Set in the city of Tulsa, University Of Tulsa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,546. Typical student debt for general petroleum engineering graduates is $27,000. General Petroleum Engineering graduates of University Of Tulsa earn a median of $66,166 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.