Analysis
ASU's civil engineering program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a solid state university engineering degree—strong starting salaries and manageable debt that positions graduates well for Arizona's growing infrastructure and construction sectors. With first-year earnings of $70,721 and debt of $23,750, the debt burden represents just four months of starting salary, a healthy ratio that beats many engineering programs nationally.
The program sits squarely in the middle of the pack both nationally (59th percentile) and within Arizona (60th percentile), putting it roughly on par with University of Arizona's program while outperforming Northern Arizona University. Earnings climb 13% to nearly $80,000 by year four, a trajectory that suggests steady career progression rather than spectacular early growth—but civil engineering careers typically reward longevity and licensure, so this pattern makes sense for the field.
For parents weighing options, this represents a low-risk choice: ASU's 90% admission rate means accessibility, while outcomes match or slightly exceed typical civil engineering programs. Your child won't emerge with standout earning power, but they'll graduate with marketable skills, reasonable debt, and earnings that comfortably support loan repayment. If they're interested in staying in Arizona, where infrastructure investment continues to grow with the population, this program provides solid value without the premium price or uncertainty of smaller programs.
Where Arizona State University Campus Immersion Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Arizona State University Campus Immersion graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $70,721 | $79,867 | +13% |
| University of Southern California | $85,262 | $106,533 | +25% |
| Santa Clara University | $84,883 | $100,598 | +19% |
| University of Arizona | $69,655 | $81,821 | +17% |
| Northern Arizona University | $66,589 | $72,348 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,051 | $70,721 | $79,867 | $23,750 | 0.34 | |
| $13,626 | $69,655 | $81,821 | $18,500 | 0.27 | |
| $12,652 | $66,589 | $72,348 | $28,000 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arizona State University Campus Immersion, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 152 graduates with reported earnings and 143 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.