Civil Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's civil engineering program produces solid outcomes without excessive debt—starting salaries above $71,000 and a manageable debt load of $23,250 mean graduates owe less than four months of their first year's income. While these numbers place the program in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's five civil engineering schools, that relative position matters less than the absolute outcome: graduates launch careers with healthy starting pay and room to grow. The 13% earnings increase to over $80,000 by year four suggests steady career progression in a stable field.

What stands out is the combination of strong academics (median SAT of 1402) and reasonable cost control. Milwaukee School of Engineering edges ahead slightly in starting pay, but UW-Madison graduates carry less debt and still outpace the national median for civil engineers. For families weighing prestige against practical outcomes, this hits a sweet spot—you're getting a respected engineering degree from a flagship university without the financial burden that often accompanies such credentials.

The moderate sample size suggests reliable data, and for in-state students especially, this represents straightforward value. Your child would enter the workforce prepared, employed, and financially positioned to build a stable career without years of heavy loan payments dragging them down.