Compare 50 Civil Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $71,770.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Civil Engineering tells a different story. Across 50 programs, earnings range from $74,487 to $85,123—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Civil Engineering program leads with graduates earning $85,123, closely followed by Notre Dame at $85,090. The average across all programs is $71,770, yet this tight race at the top shows how program-specific factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Notre Dame graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 4.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Minnesota State University-Mankato leads with a 9.1% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $85,123
Strong outcomes ($80,636) with 87% acceptance
4.2% payment burden | Excellent
9.1% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $85,123 | 40 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #2 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $85,090 | 50 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #3 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $80,636 | 29 | $23,940 | Excellent | $45,500 | Challenging |
| #4 | $80,489 | 43 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #5 | $80,265 | 108 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $79,888 | 33 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | High | |
| #7 | $79,514 | 180 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $78,668 | 95 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $78,351 | 25 | $21,106 | Excellent | $13,695 | Good | |
| #10 | Ohio Northern UniversityPrivate | $77,619 | 24 | $27,000 | Excellent | $32,246 | Manageable |
| #11 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $77,365 | 143 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #12 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $76,871 | 37 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Good |
| #13 | University Of KansasPublic | $76,320 | 56 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Manageable |
| #14 | $75,853 | 79 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Good | |
| #15 | $75,832 | 66 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $75,641 | 33 | $18,750 | Excellent | $18,462 | Good | |
| #17 | $75,048 | 161 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #18 | University Of IowaPublic | $74,841 | 53 | $22,500 | Excellent | $27,975 | Manageable |
| #19 | $74,705 | 40 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Good | |
| #20 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $74,487 | 43 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Challenging |
| #21 | $74,292 | 37 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $74,132 | 143 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #23 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $73,795 | 31 | $27,000 | Excellent | $41,405 | Challenging |
| #24 | $73,240 | 83 | $21,977 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #25 | $72,940 | 30 | $27,000 | Excellent | $34,081 | Challenging |
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 →
