Civil Engineering at University of Missouri-Columbia

Missouri's flagship delivers typical civil engineering outcomes with a notable affordability advantage. Graduates earn $69,566 in their first year—dead center nationally but ranking in the 60th percentile among Missouri's eight civil engineering programs. More importantly, they graduate with $26,828 in debt, placing this program in the 27th percentile nationally for debt burden. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly five months' salary, well below concerning levels.

The earnings plateau between years one and four deserves attention. While starting salaries match the national median almost exactly, graduates aren't seeing the income growth typical of engineering careers. Missouri S&T graduates earn marginally more ($70,664), but the difference is modest given similar debt loads. The real comparison point is Missouri's median debt for civil engineering—$26,828—which matches this program exactly, suggesting these debt levels are simply the going rate for in-state engineering education.

For Missouri families, this represents a straightforward value: predictable engineering salaries with manageable debt from their flagship university. The lack of earnings growth suggests graduates may need to be strategic about career progression, but the fundamentals—decent starting pay, reasonable debt—are sound. The 77% admission rate means access isn't a major barrier for qualified applicants.