Civil Engineering at Widener University

Widener's civil engineering program places graduates right at the national median for earnings, but here's the concerning detail: while other engineers see their salaries climb in those crucial early career years, Widener grads are making essentially the same amount four years out as they did fresh from graduation. That stagnation matters when you're comparing it to top PA programs like Bucknell, where graduates earn $80,000+ and likely see continued growth.

The debt load of $27,000 isn't unreasonable—it matches Pennsylvania's median and sits well below national averages—so the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is quite manageable. But Widener ranks in just the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania's 17 civil engineering programs, meaning three out of five comparable programs in the state produce better earning outcomes. When you're paying private school tuition (even at Widener's more accessible price point), finishing below Penn State and Temple graduates should give you pause about value.

The program works if your child is set on civil engineering, wants to stay near Philadelphia, and Widener's 84% admission rate makes it an attainable option. The debt is controllable and starting salaries cover the bills. Just recognize you're paying for access and location rather than superior career outcomes—and that flat earnings trajectory suggests graduates may need to job-hop or pursue additional credentials to match the career progression peers at stronger programs see automatically.