Civil Engineering at Lehigh University

Lehigh's civil engineering program carries significant prestige, but the earnings data tells a more complex story than you might expect from a selective program. Starting at $73,545, graduates earn well above the national median but land solidly in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive civil engineering landscape—notably trailing Bucknell by nearly $7,000 and even slightly behind Drexel. For a program ranked in the 83rd percentile nationally, the 60th percentile showing among Pennsylvania schools suggests the regional competition is fierce.

The financial fundamentals work strongly in graduates' favor. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is manageable, meaning typical graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four and a half months of gross income. The $27,000 debt level matches the state median while earnings sit above it—a reasonable bargain. Growth to $81,375 by year four shows steady career progression, though not the explosive trajectory you sometimes see in more specialized engineering fields.

Here's the honest assessment: this program delivers solid outcomes with minimal financial risk, but given Lehigh's selectivity and reputation, some parents might expect more dramatic earnings leadership within Pennsylvania. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) also means these figures could shift with different cohorts. If your child values Lehigh's engineering culture and collaborative opportunities, the numbers support that choice—just know they're getting reliable value rather than exceptional returns compared to state alternatives.