### SUMMARY

 A degree in Civil Engineering is not only a valuable choice, but commonly a necessary first step for pupils endeavoring to pursue a career as a senior civil engineer, a senior structural engineer, or a water resources engineer. Interestingly, civil engineering is pretty common coming in at the 35th most popular degree. Last academic year alone, there were 14,832 civil engineering degrees conferred. In-state tuition for civil engineering at private universities is, on average, 4.2 times more expensive than their public fellows.

 There are 280 universities that offer civil engineering. This number of schools is fairly average in terms of the number of institutions which offer each degree. If you're looking to surround yourself with other civil engineering majors, look at institutions in California which have the most undergraduates admitted to civil engineering annually. More generally, the top region to study civil engineering is in the Southeast region with [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/colleges/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college), [North Carolina State University at Raleigh](/colleges/north-carolina-state-university-at-raleigh), and [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University](/colleges/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the best conference to study civil engineering is the Southeastern Conference with [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida), [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/colleges/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college), and [Texas A & M University-College Station](/colleges/texas-a-m-university-college-station) representing the conference. From our extensive list on the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our selection for the best school for civil engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology).

 The 'best' school does not have to be the best school for you. There are tons of factors to weigh when choosing institution. Features such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food would definitely alter your choice of where to go to school. Here at Authority, we weighed the pros and cons for you. If, as an example, you are intrigued by which civil engineering university has the top campus, the winner is [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university). If, for example, you are very interested in which university boasts the top campus, we have an entire list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through student reviews, professor reviews, government databases, and more in order to compare every U.S. major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can find our well researched list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand from that list, our pick of the university with the best student life for civil engineering is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Curious why? Keep scrolling to discover more about our top selections. Some of our picks will probably shock you.

 If price is a significant deciding factor in your decisions, you might consider avoiding [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspappears to be the most expensive university for civil engineering, at least regarding out of state enrollment. We have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that might put the cost at [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university)&nbspinto perspective. Additionally, you may want to know that civil engineering is the 110th most expensive program in the US, with an average cost of $38,300. To zoom out a little, the most expensive state for civil engineering on our list is Pennsylvania with costs at the primary three colleges Bucknell University at $57,882, Carnegie Mellon University at $55,816, and expenses at Lehigh University of $55,816. Even more broadly, the most expensive region for civil engineering is the Mid East region which is best demonstrated with [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university) with a cost of $54,453, [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york) with a cost of $57,763, and [Bucknell University](/colleges/bucknell-university) with a cost of $57,882.

 Our cheapest region for civil engineering is the Rocky Mountains region which is represented by [Brigham Young University-Idaho](/colleges/brigham-young-university-idaho) with a cost of $4,208, [Brigham Young University-Provo](/colleges/brigham-young-university-provo) with a cost of $5,790, and [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) with a cost of $13,392. In better news, the most affordable university for civil engineering is [South Dakota School of Mines and Technology](/colleges/south-dakota-school-of-mines-and-technology). Our full list of the most affordable universities can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay about $10,600 for a degree in civil engineering. The price inflates intensely to a median of $25,900 for the out-of-state public-school student. On that note, our choice for the school representing the best value for civil engineering: [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). Through this link you will see our comprehensive list for the universities we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. With that said, this list is based on out-of-state tuition costs. The value proposition changes when in-state tuition costs are considered, but as we do not know what state(s) you might qualify for in-state tuition, we are approaching this discussion through out-of-state tuition costs.

 Earnings for civil engineering majors range widely, but within two years graduation students will often make around $66,100. While there can be much variation in earnings potential; top positions can experience pay up to $100,600. Straight out of school, the minimum earning jobs within the civil engineering field earn $43,200, which isn't that bad. The top earning graduates for civil engineering attended [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand if you want to find the colleges with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The prevailing diversity of civil engineering is high, falling in the 78th percentile of all majors. The university with the most composite diversity for civil engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand here you can find our general list of the schools with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of the Civil Engineering major only is within the 44th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is actually greater, ranking in the 78th percentile. White collegians compose the largest share, 49%, of students studying civil engineering. Additionally, 72% of undergrads seeking a civil engineering major are men.

 The median ranking of civil engineering's professors is 4 stars, a score which is actually the average for every major; which is a fine. If you are curious about the most popular civil engineering instructor in the nation, look no further than Daniel Abbott from [Missouri University of Science and Technology](/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology). It may surprise you, but the top rated instructors of civil engineering according to students are found at [Missouri University of Science and Technology](/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology). As we including data beyond simply rankings it becomes clear that the school possessing the overall best professors for civil engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). One can find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the best examples of professors nationwide.

 Finally, the most difficult college to get into for civil engineering is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have an extensive page for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, we do hope you believe that considering academics from examples primarily built on superlatives might cause problems. We at Authority encourage you to look at some of our other pages on different topics and read a few of Authority's helpful background pages on beneficial details to consider as your school search continues.



 ### POPULARITY

 Civil engineering is the 35th most popular degree in America, with 14,832 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #36 [General Studies](/rankings/best-colleges-for-general-studies), and narrowly lost to #34 [Chemistry](/rankings/best-colleges-for-chemistry).

 The degree is offered at a total of 280 colleges across the nation, and is the 80th most widely offered degree. Given that civil engineering is offered at 39% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 70% of colleges offering civil engineering are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The southeast produces the most civil engineering graduates, largely led by [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/colleges/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college), while it’s the Southeastern Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo) and [California State Polytechnic University-Pomona](/colleges/california-state-polytechnic-university-pomona).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more civil engineering graduates than [California Institute of Technology](/colleges/california-institute-of-technology), which graduated 247 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study civil engineering). More students studied civil engineering as a percentage of total students at [Virginia Military Institute](/colleges/virginia-military-institute) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Civil engineering is the 110th most expensive degree in the United States, with a median cost of $38,326 amongst the top 50 programs.

 The Mid East has the most expensive colleges with top 50 civil engineering programs predominantly led by [George Washington University](/colleges/george-washington-university) with an annual cost of $56,845. Pennsylvania is the most expensive state for civil engineering led by [Bucknell University](/colleges/bucknell-university) and [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university).

 Public schools with solid programs generally charge 76.22% less than private schools for in-state students. When looking at out-of-state tuition however, the median top 50 Public school charges 41.97% less than the median private school. So, if you're looking into studying at a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition ASAP.

 The most pricey option in the top 25 is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in America. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Citadel Military College of South Carolina](/colleges/citadel-military-college-of-south-carolina). It costs just $75 per year, but it's ranked 65th for its civil engineering program. If you’re looking for a higher ranked, but still affordable option, [South Dakota School of Mines and Technology](/colleges/south-dakota-school-of-mines-and-technology)  might be a good fit for you, ranked #12 with an in-state cost of just $7,610. Another more affordable choice would be #18, [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida) in Alachua County, FL with a cost of $4,477 for in-state students and $25,694 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 College is an important investment for most students. It is important to have confidence you justify your cash outlay. Therefore, we hope the following earnings and career stats help you in deciding your major at college.

 In their first year out of school, Civil Engineering majors make $62,596 a year on average, making them the 40th largest earning graduates. Later on in their jobs, they for the most part take home something between $43,164 and $100,570, but average close to $66,078. For context, that is 71% higher than the national average.

 The most popular work position for a Civil Engineering graduate is Engineer, which typically make about $59,000; next are Software Engineer and Analyst, which for the most part make near $65,000 and $54,000 respectively.

 The Far West has the best paid Civil Engineering graduates. The most well paid state for Civil Engineering graduates is CT. West Coast Conference has the most well paid Civil Engineering graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Civil Engineering: Median Professor Rating: 4 / 5, which is average.

 Professors oftentimes play a giant role in your college experience, no matter what you major in. A good instructor could provide inspiration and set a student up for future success. Contrarily, a bad professor can turn you off of a subject or even worse... fail you!

 Civil Engineering professors have a median student rating of 4 / 5, which puts them in the upper 53rd percentile in America based on student approval. Suprisingly, this major is exactly the median for professor rating, which, in our opinion, is remarkably average! Professors of Civil Engineering barely out-ranked those from ["Natural Resources and Conservation"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-natural-resources-and-conservation), whereas ["Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-public-relations-advertising-and-applied-communication)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Civil Engineering.

 Now for some statistics about Civil Engineering professors. Colleges located in fringe rural areas tend to have the best Civil Engineering professors. The America East has the highest rated Civil Engineering professors. The Southwest region has the highest rated Civil Engineering professors. Public institutions tend to have higher rated Civil Engineering professors than private colleges. Finally, Maine has the highest rated Civil Engineering professors in the US.

 Daniel Abbott, professor at [Missouri University of Science and Technology](/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology)&nbspin Rolla, MO is the most popular Civil Engineering professor in the nation. Christopher Day, instructor at [Iowa State University](/colleges/iowa-state-university)&nbspin Ames, IA is the highest rated Civil Engineering professor in the nation, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Want to know which colleges have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College is an exceedingly meaningful adventure in one's life; it's an occasion for personal growth and development. Undergrads begin to find out what they can become and develop many of the rudimentary skills to be a thriving adult. But learning isn't exclusively confined to a classroom - the campus dialogue, the life lesson received from an old professor, the exposure to a different vantage point. Therefore, a diverse college experience vastly improves what you gain from your time in school.

 Civil Engineering is a more popular major for students of color than white students. 49% of the US' Civil Engineering majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(29%), latino students (12%), and asian students (9%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [San Diego State University](/colleges/san-diego-state-university) located in San Diego, CA.

 Secondly, Civil Engineering significatly skews male, with 72% of students majoring in Civil Engineering identifying as men. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Lafayette College](/colleges/lafayette-college) in Easton, PA.

 Another important type of diversity is class diversity. Civil Engineering ranks around average for socioeconomic diversity (56th percentile). 30% of its students come from very high income households, 16% are from homes with $48,000 to $75,000 annual incomes, and 24% grew up in low income households. [Rice University](/colleges/rice-university) has the most fiscally diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for Civil Engineering. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Ivy League is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 9%
* Black: 2%
* Latino: 12%
* White: 49%
* Other: 29%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 72%
* Female: 28%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 30%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 67%
* Out of State: 26%
* International: 7%


Stanford University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Duke University

Princeton University

Rice University

Carnegie Mellon University

Johns Hopkins University

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

University of Notre Dame

Vanderbilt University

Northwestern University

Cornell University

University of California-Los Angeles

University of Virginia-Main Campus

United States Military Academy

University of Florida

University of Southern California

Northeastern University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Tufts University

The University of Texas at Austin

New York University

University of Georgia

University of California-Berkeley

Search for the best Civil Engineering colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Civil Engineering Salary

There are about 43,791 students enrolled in Civil Engineering in the USA.

SALARY