Analysis
Illinois Tech's civil engineering program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—above national averages but trailing the state's top options. First-year graduates earn $71,760, beating the national median by roughly $2,200 but falling about $2,000 short of what civil engineers earn across Illinois programs. More telling is that nearby University of Illinois Chicago produces similar outcomes at likely lower tuition cost, while UIUC graduates start $1,600 higher.
The financial fundamentals work in your favor here. With $26,000 in typical debt against $71,760 starting earnings, graduates face a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning the degree pays for itself relatively quickly. The debt burden is actually lower than most Illinois engineering programs despite IIT's private school price tag, suggesting decent financial aid for those who qualify. Four-year earnings of $74,292 represent modest but steady growth, which is typical for civil engineering careers that advance through licensure rather than explosive salary jumps.
The real question is whether IIT's Chicago location and smaller program justify any cost premium over public alternatives. For students who thrive in urban, tech-focused environments and receive strong aid packages, this program delivers solid outcomes. But if you're paying significantly more than UIUC or UIC rates, the earnings data doesn't justify the investment—you're paying private school tuition for middle-of-the-road Illinois engineering salaries.
Where Illinois Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Illinois Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $71,760 | $74,292 | +4% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $73,397 | $79,514 | +8% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $69,310 | $75,853 | +9% |
| Bradley University | $72,573 | $73,795 | +2% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $65,269 | $71,341 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago | $51,763 | $71,760 | $74,292 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $73,397 | $79,514 | $19,054 | 0.26 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $72,573 | $73,795 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $69,310 | $75,853 | $24,382 | 0.35 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $67,260 | $70,607 | $22,275 | 0.33 |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $65,269 | $71,341 | $19,781 | 0.30 |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 Illinois Institute of Technology, approximately 29% 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.