Compare 22 Civil Engineering. programs in California. Average earnings: $87,888.
The highest-earning Civil Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $26K earnings gap across 22 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Southern California's Civil Engineering program leads with graduates earning $106,533, well above the $87,888 average. But Santa Clara University ($100,598) and San Jose State University ($96,098) follow closely, proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to ultra-selective institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Davis graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 2.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Cal State LA leads with a 5.6% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $106,533
Strong outcomes ($96,098) with 80% acceptance
2.6% payment burden | Excellent
5.6% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $106,533 | 25 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Good | |
| #2 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $100,598 | 17 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | Manageable |
| #3 | $96,098 | 138 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $93,131 | 57 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Excellent | |
| #5 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $92,409 | 14 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | Manageable |
| #6 | $91,424 | 159 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #7 | $91,243 | 146 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #8 | $91,006 | 81 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #9 | $90,288 | 87 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Good | |
| #10 | $90,155 | 59 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $89,286 | 59 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $86,596 | 191 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Good | |
| #13 | $86,209 | 93 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Good | |
| #14 | $84,701 | 235 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #15 | $84,258 | 174 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Excellent | |
| #16 | $83,849 | 127 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #17 | $83,693 | 113 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Excellent | |
| #18 | $82,584 | 102 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #19 | $81,967 | 141 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Excellent | |
| #20 | $80,775 | 81 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Excellent | |
| #21 | $78,740 | 15 | $26,063 | Excellent | $31,387 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $67,995 | 27 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | 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 →
