Civil Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology

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.