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 Pennsylvania

Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (17 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carnegie Mellon University$93,769
Bucknell University$80,231$78,184$27,0000.34
Lehigh University$73,545$81,375$27,0000.37
Drexel University$72,087$78,509$31,0000.43
Villanova University$71,525$78,003$27,0000.38
Lafayette College$70,391$88,494$16,0000.23
National Median$69,574$24,5000.35

Other Civil Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bucknell University
Lewisburg
$64,772$80,231$27,000
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$73,545$27,000
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$72,087$31,000
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$71,525$27,000
Lafayette College
Easton
$62,574$70,391$16,000

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 Carnegie Mellon University, approximately 15% 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.