Civil Engineering at University of Georgia

University of Georgia's civil engineering program outperforms national benchmarks with $73,327 in first-year earnings—placing graduates in the 81st percentile nationally—while keeping debt manageable at $26,744. The 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn nearly $3 for every dollar borrowed, a solid foundation for launching a career. That said, within Georgia, UGA sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing Georgia Tech's more prestigious program by about $2,400 annually but commanding a meaningful premium over Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern.

The relative value here becomes clearer when you consider UGA's 37% admission rate and solid academic profile. For students who can't gain admission to Georgia Tech, this represents the strongest alternative civil engineering program in the state, delivering 93% of Tech's first-year earnings without the cutthroat competition. The program produces graduates who enter the workforce earning well above the national median for civil engineers, suggesting strong employer connections and solid technical preparation.

For Georgia families, this is a practical choice: strong earnings from day one, reasonable debt levels, and the backing of a flagship state university's engineering reputation. Your child won't struggle to service their loans while building toward PE licensure and career advancement.