Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP's civil engineering program delivers strong practical value through a combination that matters most: remarkably low debt and steady career progression. At just $16,293 in median debt—less than a quarter of the national median—graduates start with a financial foundation that outweighs the program's lower initial earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means students borrow roughly three months' salary, among the lowest burdens you'll find in engineering.

The $60,287 starting salary trails flagship programs like UT Austin by $15,000, but context matters. Among Texas civil engineering programs, UTEP sits at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack statewide despite serving a student body where 61% receive Pell grants. That earnings gap narrows as careers progress, with graduates reaching $69,228 by year four, approaching the state median. For families prioritizing minimal debt over maximum starting salary, this trade works in their favor.

The key question is career trajectory beyond these early years. UTEP graduates enter the workforce quickly and affordably, but breaking into the top tiers of civil engineering salaries may require additional credentialing or geographic mobility. For students who need to minimize borrowing while earning a solid engineering degree—particularly those planning to work in the El Paso region where cost of living is lower—this represents a sensible path into the profession.