Civil Engineering at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all civil engineering masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Civil Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in California (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $85,887 | $96,348 | — | — |
| University of Southern California | $91,025 | $106,620 | — | — |
| University of California-San Diego | $89,543 | $91,301 | — | — |
| California State University-Fullerton | $87,800 | $89,149 | — | — |
| California State University-Sacramento | $87,247 | $99,730 | — | — |
| University of California-Davis | $86,909 | $91,778 | — | — |
| National Median | $79,898 | — | — | — |
Other Civil Engineering Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $91,025 | — |
| University of California-San Diego La Jolla | $15,265 | $89,543 | — |
| California State University-Fullerton Fullerton | $7,073 | $87,800 | — |
| California State University-Sacramento Sacramento | $7,602 | $87,247 | — |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $86,909 | — |
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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% 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.