Analysis
UIUC's civil engineering program stands out nationally—ranking in the 82nd percentile—yet holds the middle ground among Illinois schools at the 60th percentile. This positioning makes sense when you look at Illinois' competitive engineering landscape: the state hosts several strong programs, and UIUC sits just behind Bradley and IIT in first-year outcomes. Still, with graduates earning $73,397 immediately after graduation, this program delivers $4,000 above the state median and nearly $4,000 above the national benchmark.
The financial picture is particularly appealing. At $19,054 in median debt—about $4,000 less than the state average and $5,500 below national norms—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26. That translates to roughly three months of gross salary to cover student loans, one of the healthiest ratios you'll find for an engineering degree. Earnings climb to nearly $80,000 by year four, showing steady career progression.
For parents weighing cost versus outcome, UIUC offers strong value: better-than-average earnings with significantly lower debt than peer programs. The 44% admission rate and solid academic profile (1418 average SAT) suggest reasonable accessibility for qualified students. While Bradley edges ahead slightly in immediate earnings, UIUC's combination of lower debt and strong national reputation positions graduates well for long-term career growth in civil engineering.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $73,397 | $79,514 | +8% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $69,310 | $75,853 | +9% |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $71,760 | $74,292 | +4% |
| Bradley University | $72,573 | $73,795 | +2% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $65,269 | $71,341 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $73,397 | $79,514 | $19,054 | 0.26 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $72,573 | $73,795 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago | $51,763 | $71,760 | $74,292 | $26,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $69,310 | $75,853 | $24,382 | 0.35 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $67,260 | $70,607 | $22,275 | 0.33 |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $65,269 | $71,341 | $19,781 | 0.30 |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 119 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.