Analysis
Civil engineering graduates in Utah earn remarkably consistent first-year salaries across universities—around $68,000-72,000—which means this program's estimated $68,685 aligns with state norms. The estimated debt load of $23,825 sits slightly above Utah's typical $17,225 for civil engineering programs but remains well below the national median of $24,500. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.35, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months' salary.
The challenge with Utah Valley's program is that both earnings and debt are estimates drawn from peer institutions because too few graduates exist to report actual outcomes. This small cohort size could signal either a newer program still building its track record or consistently modest enrollment. While the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment—civil engineering typically offers stable career prospects and the debt burden isn't overwhelming—parents should recognize they're evaluating projections rather than this program's demonstrated results.
For a field as established as civil engineering, where accreditation standards and curriculum are fairly uniform, peer program data offers decent guidance. If your student is committed to staying in Utah and values UVU's teaching focus and accessibility, the estimated financial picture doesn't raise red flags. Just understand you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at Utah's other engineering schools with reported outcomes.
Where Utah Valley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,270 | $68,685* | — | $23,825* | — | |
| $9,315 | $72,156* | $73,089 | $24,426* | 0.34 | |
| $6,496 | $68,685* | $73,327 | $9,370* | 0.14 | |
| $9,228 | $68,025* | $75,925 | $17,225* | 0.25 | |
| 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 Utah Valley University, approximately 23% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.