Civil Engineering at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's civil engineering program starts slower than most California options—graduates earn $65,478 in their first year, falling well below the state median of $73,540 and ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. Schools like Cal Poly SLO and even UC Berkeley place their graduates in positions commanding $15,000-$18,000 more right out of the gate. For an institution with a 25% acceptance rate, these initial outcomes suggest the program may not leverage the university's prestige as effectively as peers do.

The numbers improve with time. By year four, earnings reach $82,584—solid 26% growth that narrows but doesn't close the gap with top California programs. The real advantage here is debt: at $16,400, it's among the lowest in the nation for civil engineering (5th percentile), roughly $8,000 below the California median. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25, meaning graduates owe less than three months' salary. For comparison, the national median civil engineering graduate carries $24,500 in debt.

The tradeoff is clear: accept lower starting earnings in exchange for minimal debt burden. If your child secures summer internships or professional development opportunities to compensate for the slower start, the low debt load provides financial flexibility early in their career. However, families expecting UC San Diego's brand to command premium entry-level salaries in this field should recalibrate expectations—the program appears to be more regional than elite in placement power.