Civil Engineering at Saint Louis University

Based on comparable programs across Missouri, Saint Louis University's civil engineering degree appears to deliver right at the state median—approximately $69,600 in first-year earnings against an estimated $27,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment, which is solid territory for an engineering credential.

What's reassuring here is that Missouri's civil engineering market seems remarkably consistent. The state's top three programs—Missouri S&T, Mizzou, and UMKC—all cluster within a narrow $3,600 range, suggesting employers value the credential itself more than the specific school's nameplate. Saint Louis University fits squarely in this competitive set, and its 81% admission rate means your child likely won't face the same admissions gauntlet as more selective engineering programs while still accessing similar career outcomes.

The practical question becomes cost. At $27,000 in estimated debt, this program tracks slightly above the national median for civil engineering degrees ($24,500), but the earnings align almost perfectly with national figures ($69,574). If Saint Louis University's location, campus culture, or Jesuit emphasis on service aligns with your child's priorities, the financial fundamentals support that choice. Just verify the actual cost of attendance matches these debt projections—private universities can surprise families with better or worse financial aid than expected.