Compare 6 Civil Engineering. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $68,522.
The highest-earning Civil Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $31K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
The University of Alabama's Civil Engineering program leads with graduates earning $78,604, well above the state average of $68,522. University of Alabama at Birmingham follows closely at $75,040, while University of South Alabama delivers $74,622—demonstrating that multiple state schools compete at the top tier.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. The University of Alabama graduates borrow $22,750 and face just a 5.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, UAB offers the best deal with a 12.0% family burden, still rated 'Good' for overall affordability.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $78,604 | 121 | $22,750 | Excellent | $48,666 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $75,040 | 32 | $22,300 | Excellent | $20,498 | Good | |
| #3 | $74,622 | 68 | $24,929 | Excellent | $26,683 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $73,594 | 125 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Challenging |
| #5 | $62,012 | 24 | $20,705 | Excellent | $20,297 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | $47,260 | 18 | $31,000 | Manageable | $19,266 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
