Civil Engineering at University of Arizona

University of Arizona civil engineering graduates walk away with notably less debt than their peers—$18,500 compared to a national median of $24,500—while earning right at the national median. That debt advantage is substantial: the 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary, making this one of the more manageable financial profiles among engineering programs. Among Arizona's three civil engineering programs, U of A sits comfortably in the middle for earnings while carrying significantly less debt than the state median of $23,750.

The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four shows healthy career progression, with graduates reaching $81,821 by their fourth year out. First-year earnings of $69,655 already provide a solid foundation for tackling that modest debt load. While ASU graduates edge ahead by about $1,000 initially, the difference is marginal enough that the lower debt burden at U of A likely evens the playing field.

For parents worried about civil engineering program costs, this is a straightforward investment. Your child gets established engineering education credentials without the debt burden that can make the early career years stressful. The combination of near-national-average earnings and below-average debt creates breathing room that matters when your graduate is deciding whether they can afford their own apartment or needs roommates.