Civil Engineering at University of Maryland-College Park

University of Maryland-College Park's civil engineering program delivers strong absolute outcomes—$76,731 in first-year earnings with manageable $21,437 in debt—but its position within Maryland tells an interesting story. Despite ranking in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits at just the 60th percentile among Maryland's three civil engineering programs, suggesting the state has unusually strong offerings in this field. Graduates here earn about $3,000 more than the state median, though that gap narrows when you consider that UMD is the flagship institution.

The 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need less than four months of their first year's salary to cover their debt—a comfortable position for an engineering degree. Earnings climb to $81,235 by year four, a modest 6% increase that's typical for civil engineering where starting salaries already reflect professional licensing requirements. The debt load comes in below both state and national medians, likely reflecting a mix of in-state tuition and strong financial aid.

For Maryland families, this represents a solid investment in a respected program at a flagship university. The earnings easily justify the debt, and graduates enter the workforce with credentials that travel well beyond state lines. While other Maryland schools might offer similar outcomes at potentially lower cost, UMD's national reputation and research opportunities provide additional value that doesn't show up in these numbers alone.