Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington

UTA's civil engineering program delivers solidly above-average outcomes while keeping debt manageable—particularly impressive given the university's mission to serve a broad student base (40% receive Pell grants). With first-year earnings of $70,629 and a debt load of just $20,542, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, meaning they could theoretically pay off student loans in under four months of gross income. That's a strong foundation for financial security early in a career.

Within Texas, this program punches at or slightly above its weight class. At the 60th percentile statewide, UTA trails the flagship programs at UT Austin and Texas A&M by about $5,000 annually, but matches the state median debt while exceeding median earnings. For families balancing cost and quality, that positioning matters: you're getting competitive preparation for the Texas engineering market without the debt premium some peers carry. The 13% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are advancing normally in their careers.

The practical takeaway: this program offers a dependable path into civil engineering with limited financial risk. It won't place your child at the top of the Texas earnings ladder, but the combination of solid placement numbers, manageable debt, and steady career progression makes it a sensible choice—especially for students who might not gain admission to more selective programs or who want to stay in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where UTA has established industry connections.