Civil Engineering at Syracuse University

Syracuse's civil engineering program commands a premium price but delivers strong national outcomes, though it sits in the middle of New York's competitive landscape. At $74,748 starting, graduates earn more than 93% of civil engineering programs nationwide—substantially above the $69,574 national median. Within New York, however, the picture is more nuanced: Syracuse trails Cornell by about $6,000 but matches Manhattan University and exceeds several other respected programs. The $27,000 median debt translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the typical burden at most engineering schools.

The trajectory here matters: earnings climb to $84,685 by year four, showing 13% growth that suggests solid career progression rather than an early ceiling. For New York families comparing options, Syracuse offers a reasonable middle path—you're paying more than you would at Stony Brook (which produces similar outcomes) but getting notably stronger results than most state schools, with a private university experience. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the data reflects enough graduates to be meaningful.

The verdict: This program works for families comfortable with Syracuse's overall cost structure who value the school's alumni network and campus experience. If minimizing debt is the priority, SUNY options deliver comparable earnings for less money. But among private universities in New York, Syracuse's civil engineering program performs exactly as its reputation suggests—solid, not spectacular.