Civil Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

SIUE's civil engineering program delivers solid, if unspectacular, early career outcomes at a price point that makes financial sense. With starting salaries around $67,000 and median debt of just $22,275, graduates face one of the more manageable debt loads in the field—well below both the state and national medians. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means most graduates should be able to handle their loans comfortably on an engineer's salary.

The catch is modest earnings growth: graduates see only a 5% salary increase from year one to year four, and the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Illinois civil engineering programs. You're not getting Illinois or Bradley outcomes here—those programs produce graduates earning $5,000-6,000 more annually—but you're also likely paying considerably less in tuition. The 97% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest this is an accessible option for students who might struggle to gain entry to more selective engineering schools.

For a student committed to civil engineering who values staying in Illinois and minimizing debt, this program makes practical sense. The starting salary is respectable enough to launch a career, and the low debt burden provides flexibility early on. Just understand you're trading somewhat lower earning potential for accessibility and affordability—a reasonable tradeoff for many families.