10 Civil Engineering Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
|
$18,627 | $56,544 | $16,570 | 70.1% | 86.0% |
| 2 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
|
$23,691 | $60,903 | $17,357 | 83.2% | 63.5% |
| 3 |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
|
$20,605 | $49,937 | $15,208 | 49.0% | 95.5% |
| 4 |
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$32,116 | $66,318 | $63,141 | 90.4% | 6.8% |
| 5 |
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, Massachusetts
|
$34,170 | $65,131 | $41,010 | 68.6% | 92.3% |
| 6 |
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts
|
$35,435 | $63,005 | $67,844 | 93.3% | 9.7% |
| 7 |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, Massachusetts
|
$43,273 | $63,643 | $59,070 | 88.4% | 57.5% |
| 8 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
|
$19,813 | $60,156 | 96.1% | 4.0% | |
| 9 |
Merrimack College
North Andover, Massachusetts
|
$37,899 | $51,786 | 72.1% | 74.6% | |
| 10 |
Western New England University
Springfield, Massachusetts
|
$31,170 | $46,430 | 63.9% | 88.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes UMass-Lowell stand out for civil engineering value?
UMass-Lowell combines the state's lowest net price of $18,627 with solid graduate earnings of $56,544. The 70.10% graduation rate and 85.95% acceptance rate make it accessible while maintaining reasonable completion standards.
How do private schools compare to public options for return on investment?
Northeastern's graduates earn the highest salaries at $66,318 despite a $32,116 net cost, while Wentworth graduates earn $65,131 for $34,170. Both significantly outpace UMass-Dartmouth's $49,937 earnings, though at nearly double the cost.
Is MIT worth considering given its ultra-low acceptance rate?
MIT accepts just 3.96% of applicants but offers generous aid bringing costs to $19,813 for qualifying families. The 96.10% graduation rate suggests students who gain admission typically succeed in the demanding program.
What salary differences exist between the highest and lowest earning programs?
Graduate earnings span from $49,937 at UMass-Dartmouth to $66,318 at Northeastern, a $16,381 gap. This 33% difference often correlates with program selectivity and regional employer connections in Greater Boston.
More Civil Engineering Rankings
Related
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.