Petroleum Engineering Degree in Lakewood, CO — Salary & ROI 2026
Petroleum Engineering degree analysis for Lakewood, CO. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$53K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$148K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.9 yrs
in Lakewood
Cost of Living
105.8
index (100 = avg)
Petroleum Engineering in Lakewood, CO Overview
Lakewood, Colorado (pop. 155,984) has 6 colleges offering Petroleum Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 105.8 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,395/month. Although national enrollment in Petroleum Engineering has been declining, graduates with skills in Reservoir Engineering and Drilling remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Lakewood is approximately $52,900, growing to $148,120 by mid-career.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
6
Public Tuition
$12,200/yr
Private Tuition
$38,000/yr
Room & Board
$15,028/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,371/yr
Unemployment
2.9%
Graduation Rate
73%
Petroleum Engineering Salary in Lakewood (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Lakewood's cost of living index of 105.8 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Petroleum Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $140,000 mid-career, $175,000 senior level.Lakewood adjustment factor: 1.06x based on the local cost of living index.
Petroleum Engineering ROI Calculator for Lakewood
Estimate your return on investment for a Petroleum Engineering degree using local Lakewood tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $12,200 | Private avg: $38,000
Lakewood avg aid: $8,371/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$108,912
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,870
vs HS diploma in Lakewood
ROI Payback Period
6.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Lakewood
$1,266,488
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,375,400) minus total education cost ($108,912)
Student Loan Payoff for Petroleum Engineering in Lakewood
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Lakewood for Petroleum Engineering
Lakewood State University
public
$11,245/yr
$44,980 total
University of Lakewood
public
$12,683/yr
$50,732 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Lakewood Community College
$5,959/yr
Top Employers for Petroleum Engineering in Lakewood
Lakewood offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Petroleum Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Lakewood Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Petroleum Engineering Job Titles
Petroleum Engineering in Nearby Colorado Cities
Denver, CO
$64K starting · COL 128
31 colleges
Colorado Springs, CO
$61K starting · COL 122
22 colleges
Aurora, CO
$56K starting · COL 111
28 colleges
Fort Collins, CO
$63K starting · COL 126
5 colleges
Thornton, CO
$51K starting · COL 102.5
6 colleges
Arvada, CO
$53K starting · COL 105.5
5 colleges
Westminster, CO
$52K starting · COL 103.8
5 colleges
Pueblo, CO
$61K starting · COL 122
13 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Lakewood
Computer Engineering
$53K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$87K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$53K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$85K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$85K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$83K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$53K starting · 3 yr ROI
Architectural Engineering
$83K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Petroleum Engineering degree outcomes in Lakewood, CO: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Petroleum Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Colorado.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Lakewood using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Petroleum Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Petroleum Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Petroleum Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Lakewood Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Colorado programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "colorado higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Petroleum Engineering Degree in Lakewood — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Petroleum Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Lakewood.