Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

New Mexico State's civil engineering program starts graduates at $60,212—below the national median but comfortably above the state median of $57,230. That 60th percentile ranking within New Mexico matters more than you might think: with only three engineering programs in the state, NMSU actually beats UNM's civil engineering program by $6,000 in first-year earnings. For families considering in-state options, this is the stronger choice.

The real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump to $75,381—a 25% increase that pushes graduates well above both state and national starting points. Combined with just $13,382 in median debt (among the lowest in the country for engineering), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning debt equals roughly 11 weeks of income. That's manageable by any standard and reflects NMSU's relatively low tuition costs and the Pell-eligible population it serves.

Yes, the 5th national percentile looks concerning on paper, but that number reflects New Mexico's lower cost of living and regional salary scales rather than program quality. The career trajectory suggests employers value these graduates—earnings growth of $15,000 over four years indicates strong demand. For New Mexico residents who want to stay in-state, this program delivers engineering credentials with minimal debt and solid earning potential within the local market.