Civil Engineering at Carroll College

Carroll College's civil engineering program carries an estimated debt load of $27,000—higher than both the Montana state median of $21,000 and what nearby competitors typically report. This matters because Montana Tech's graduates earn roughly $80,000 in their first year, suggesting that Carroll's smaller program may not deliver the same market positioning despite similar credentials.

The estimated first-year earnings of $69,574 align with national figures but fall short of Montana's $73,850 median, placing Carroll below the state average in a field where local job markets heavily influence starting salaries. Given that Montana has only three programs and two report significantly different outcomes, Carroll appears positioned between Montana State's lower earnings and Montana Tech's stronger performance. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is workable for engineering, but the combination of above-average debt and below-state-average earnings creates less financial cushion than ideal.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Carroll's smaller scale and liberal arts environment justify paying more and potentially earning less than graduates from the state's larger technical universities. If your student values Carroll's personalized approach and campus culture, the financial difference may be acceptable—but if maximizing engineering career outcomes is the priority, Montana Tech's track record deserves serious consideration.