Civil Engineering at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's civil engineering program punches above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of California's competitive landscape. With first-year earnings of $73,178 and just $18,767 in debt, graduates get a stronger financial start than 80% of civil engineering programs nationwide—and they're borrowing less than most of their California peers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates owe roughly three months of salary, making those loans manageable even for the 66% of students here on Pell grants.

The catch is California's unusually strong engineering market. While Cal State LA outperforms the national median, it lands at the state's midpoint, with graduates earning about $12,600 less initially than those from USC or Cal Poly SLO. However, the 23% earnings growth to $90,155 by year four suggests solid career progression, and the debt advantage becomes more meaningful when compared to private alternatives that often saddle students with $40,000+ in loans.

For families weighing affordability against outcomes, this program delivers professional licensure pathways and LA-area industry connections at a fraction of the cost of higher-ranked California schools. If your student can gain admission to a top-tier UC or private program with similar aid, those extra earnings might justify the choice—but Cal State LA offers a financially sound path into a stable profession without the debt burden that compromises so many engineering careers.