Civil Engineering at University of Kansas

University of Kansas civil engineering graduates face a sobering reality: despite earning a solid $68,486 in their first year, they're landing in the bottom half of both national and Kansas rankings. Kansas State engineering graduates start just $800 higher, yet that gap matters when KU grads are already trailing the national median by over $1,000. The $26,000 debt load, though close to the state median, translates to 38% of first-year earnings—manageable but not exceptional for an engineering degree.

The 11% earnings growth to $76,320 by year four shows typical career progression for civil engineers, who generally see steadier but slower advancement compared to other engineering disciplines. At $76,320 four years out, these graduates are building stable middle-class careers. The relatively low debt helps: civil engineering doesn't command software engineering salaries, but the financial foundation here won't sink anyone.

For Kansas families, this is a competent in-state option that won't lead the pack but delivers predictable engineering outcomes. If your student gained admission to Kansas State, that slight earnings edge might tip the scales. But KU's higher admission rate (88% versus K-State's more selective process) makes it accessible to students who might not have other affordable engineering paths—and that accessibility has genuine value when the debt stays reasonable and the degree still opens engineering doors.