Civil Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T's civil engineering program puts graduates right at $70,664 their first year—slightly above both Missouri's median ($69,566) and the national figure ($69,574). With debt at $27,000, the 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent compared to typical engineering programs. Students graduate owing less than half their first-year salary, positioning them well financially. The debt load itself sits at the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of civil engineering programs send graduates out with more debt.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less ($69,672) four years out than they do initially. This flat-to-declining pattern is unusual for an engineering field and suggests that many graduates may be staying in Missouri's more modest cost-of-living markets rather than seeking higher-paying opportunities elsewhere. Still, even with this stagnation, the starting salary provides solid financial footing.

For families looking at in-state options, Missouri S&T performs comparably to Mizzou while offering a more specialized engineering-focused environment. The combination of manageable debt and immediate earning power makes this a financially sound choice, even if long-term salary growth may require strategic career moves after graduation.