Civil Engineering at California Baptist University

California Baptist University's civil engineering graduates earn notably more than the national average, but the picture becomes less clear when compared to other California programs. With first-year median earnings of $73,497, graduates outpace the national median by about $4,000 and rank in the 82nd percentile nationally. However, among the 23 California programs, they fall right at the state median—meaning half of in-state alternatives deliver better outcomes. The $27,000 debt load is higher than California's typical $18,820 for this program, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 remains manageable.

The modest 7% earnings growth to year four suggests a slower advancement trajectory than many engineering careers offer. While $78,740 four years out is solid income, it lags behind what graduates from Cal Poly SLO, USC, or even UC Berkeley typically achieve. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly in either direction.

For California families, this represents a reasonable but not exceptional pathway into civil engineering. The program delivers employable skills and manageable debt, particularly for students who value the university's faith-based environment. However, if your child qualifies for Cal Poly or UC programs that offer both lower debt and higher earnings potential, those merit serious consideration first.