Civil Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's civil engineering program delivers nearly average outcomes at a below-average cost, landing in the middle of Illinois' competitive engineering landscape. With first-year earnings of $69,310 and debt of $24,382, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—meaning they'll owe roughly four months of salary. That's solid footing for starting a career, though the program's 40th percentile ranking among Illinois engineering schools shows you're not getting the premium outcomes available at UIUC or Illinois Tech.

The 9% earnings growth to $75,853 by year four is modest but steady, suggesting graduates move into standard civil engineering career paths without dramatic early acceleration. While UIC trails the state's top programs by $4,000-8,000 in starting salary, it also costs less in debt than most competitors. The school's 79% admission rate and high Pell grant population (50%) indicate this is an accessible option for students who might not gain entry to more selective programs, yet still want solid engineering credentials in a major metro market.

For families weighing cost against outcome, UIC offers a reasonable trade: you'll graduate with typical civil engineering earnings and manageable debt, though not the premium salaries that justify higher selectivity elsewhere. If your child is Chicago-focused and values the urban internship opportunities, this delivers professional engineering training without financial strain.