Civil Engineering at Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State's civil engineering program carries impressively low debt—just $28,093 at graduation, better than 95% of programs nationally—but graduates start at $65,259, which trails both the state median ($69,293) and national median ($69,574) by roughly $4,000-$8,000. Among Georgia's five civil engineering programs, this ranks 40th percentile, sitting between Georgia Southern and the stronger programs at Georgia Tech and UGA. For a field where first-year placement matters significantly, starting behind peers at other Georgia schools deserves attention.

The earnings trajectory does improve to $75,599 by year four, showing 16% growth and eventually surpassing both state and national benchmarks. Combined with the minimal debt burden—resulting in a 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates aren't financially strained even with the slower start. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and Kennesaw's accessibility (69% admission rate, serving 35% Pell-eligible students) makes this a realistic option for many Georgia families.

For parents weighing in-state options, this program offers financial safety through low debt rather than maximum earning power. If your student has admission prospects at Georgia Tech or UGA, those programs deliver $10,000+ higher starting salaries. But if Kennesaw is the accessible choice, the debt advantage provides a comfortable cushion that offsets the initial earnings gap within a few years.