Civil Engineering at Iowa State University

Iowa State's civil engineering program delivers solid returns with a reassuring debt picture. Graduates earn $72,502 in their first year—above both the national median ($69,574) and Iowa's state median ($71,408)—while carrying debt levels slightly below average at $25,250. That 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio means new graduates face about four months of their annual salary in debt, a manageable burden that compares favorably to many engineering programs. With nearly 90% of students accepted, this represents an accessible path to strong engineering earnings.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Iowa's four civil engineering programs, slightly edging out the University of Iowa's graduates who earn $70,313. More impressively, it places in the 74th percentile nationally, meaning Iowa State's civil engineers out-earn their counterparts at three-quarters of similar programs across the country. Earnings growth to $77,365 by year four shows steady, if modest, career progression—typical for civil engineering where starting salaries are already strong.

For parents weighing the investment, this represents a straightforward value proposition: competitive admission standards paired with better-than-average outcomes and below-average debt. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't flukes. Unless your student is eyeing specialized coastal or urban engineering opportunities found primarily outside Iowa, this program offers reliable preparation for a stable, well-paying career without the financial strain that plagues many college degrees.