Civil Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wentworth's civil engineering graduates start at $75,001—well above the national median but essentially tied for third among Massachusetts programs, trailing Worcester Polytechnic and Northeastern by just over $1,000. While the program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, that 60th percentile placement within Massachusetts tells the more relevant story: you're paying Boston-area costs to compete with a dense cluster of strong engineering programs, not gaining a clear earnings advantage.

The $27,000 debt load matches the state median exactly and sits comfortably below national norms, translating to a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio that makes the loans manageable from day one. Earnings growth to $83,692 by year four is steady if unspectacular at 12%, typical for civil engineering where advancement often depends more on licensure milestones than the school name on your diploma. The moderate sample size suggests reliable data without outlier distortion.

For an 85% admission rate school, Wentworth delivers solid outcomes—you're not overpaying for the credential. But if your child is competitive for WPI or Northeastern, those programs offer essentially identical starting salaries. The value proposition here is straightforward: same professional prospects as more selective Boston programs, with easier admission and comparable debt. It's a practical choice rather than a transformative one.