Civil Engineering at Clemson University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Clemson's civil engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but edges ahead of most in-state alternatives—an important advantage for South Carolina families facing in-state tuition rates. At $69,386 in first-year earnings, graduates essentially match the national median while paying slightly above-average debt. Among the five South Carolina programs, this ranks 60th percentile, trailing only USC-Columbia by $38.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is quite manageable for an engineering degree, meaning graduates earn back their total loan burden in less than five months. Perhaps more encouraging is the 9% earnings growth to $75,853 by year four, suggesting solid career momentum. With Clemson's engineering reputation and strong alumni network across the Southeast, graduates appear to be finding stable footing in the profession.
For South Carolina residents, this is a straightforward value proposition: you'll pay roughly what civil engineers nationally pay, earn what they earn, and have the brand recognition of a flagship engineering program. Out-of-state families should think harder—at OOS tuition rates, you'd be paying a premium for median outcomes when stronger programs exist at similar price points elsewhere.
Where Clemson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Clemson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Clemson University graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all civil engineering bachelors 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 South Carolina
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | $69,386 | $75,853 | $25,750 | 0.37 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $69,424 | $76,849 | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $61,163 | $80,055 | $24,500 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Other Civil Engineering Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia | $12,688 | $69,424 | $27,000 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston | $12,570 | $61,163 | $24,500 |
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 Clemson 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.
Sample Size: Based on 130 graduates with reported earnings and 137 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.