Analysis
Manhattan University's civil engineering program punches significantly above its weight—95th percentile nationally—but operates in a state where strong engineering programs are the norm. First-year graduates earn $75,290, trailing only Cornell among New York's engineering schools and outpacing national figures by nearly $6,000. That 60th percentile state ranking reflects just how competitive New York's engineering landscape is, not any weakness in this program.
The $27,000 median debt is remarkably manageable for engineering, sitting well below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates can realistically pay off loans in under two years if they prioritize it. The 21% earnings bump to $90,904 by year four follows typical engineering career progression and keeps pace with the field's strong mid-career prospects.
For families seeking a solid engineering program without the pressure-cooker admissions or massive debt of elite institutions, this represents excellent value. Your child gets outcomes that rival or exceed schools with half Manhattan's admission rate, while maintaining financial flexibility after graduation. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results—this is what typical graduates actually earn.
Where Manhattan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Manhattan University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan University | $75,290 | $90,904 | +21% |
| Cornell University | $80,261 | $95,056 | +18% |
| New York University | $72,628 | $85,133 | +17% |
| Syracuse University | $74,748 | $84,685 | +13% |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $71,790 | $82,696 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Manhattan UniversityRiverdale | $50,850 | $75,290 | $90,904 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $80,261 | $95,056 | $12,750 | 0.16 |
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $74,748 | $84,685 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $72,628 | $85,133 | $21,905 | 0.30 |
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $71,856 | — | $17,250 | 0.24 |
 Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy | $61,884 | $71,790 | $82,696 | $26,979 | 0.38 |
| 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 Manhattan University, approximately 31% 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 128 graduates with reported earnings and 160 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.