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Best Value Civil Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Civil Engineering students in Pennsylvania face dramatic cost differences, with net prices spanning from $18,952 at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown to $44,876 at Villanova University. The earnings potential across these 17 programs remains relatively stable, ranging from $56,641 to $67,660, suggesting that choosing a lower-cost option might maximize return on investment. Pennsylvania's infrastructure development and major employers like UPMC create steady demand for civil engineers throughout the state. Public universities offer particularly strong value propositions, with Temple University graduates earning $56,641 while paying just $29,219 in net costs. The state's mix of urban centers and rural areas provides civil engineering students with exposure to varied project types, from Philadelphia's transit systems to rural bridge reconstruction across the commonwealth.
17
Programs
$18,952 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$62,828
Avg. Program Earnings
72.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Civil Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,952 $62,856 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
2 $30,074 $62,856 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
3 $33,549 $67,660 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
4 $32,496 $65,238 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
5 $30,470 $59,640 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
6 $29,219 $56,641 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
7 $31,671 $60,094 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
8 $40,429 $65,610 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
9 $38,428 $62,203 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
10 $44,876 $65,486 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
11 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
12 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
13 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
14 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
15 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
16 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
17 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown stand out for civil engineering value?

At $18,952 net cost, Pitt-Johnstown offers the lowest price among Pennsylvania's civil engineering programs while graduates still earn $62,856 annually. The 97.41% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 53.40% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for academic rigor. This combination creates an opportunity for motivated students to access quality engineering education at a fraction of typical costs.

How do private university costs compare to public options in Pennsylvania?

Private universities average around $35,000 in net costs compared to public schools ranging from $18,952 to $30,074. Lehigh University charges $33,549 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $67,660, while Carnegie Mellon at $31,671 maintains a 92.50% graduation rate. Lafayette College offers strong value at $32,496 with graduates earning $65,238 and carrying just $16,000 in debt.

Is the earnings gap between Pennsylvania civil engineering programs significant?

The earnings range spans just $11,019, from Temple's $56,641 to Lehigh's $67,660, suggesting program choice has moderate impact on salary outcomes. Most programs cluster between $59,000 and $65,000 in graduate earnings. This narrow range means students can prioritize cost and fit over potential salary differences when selecting programs.

Where do Pennsylvania civil engineering graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's infrastructure needs create opportunities across healthcare systems like UPMC, utilities, and transportation agencies throughout the state. The state's mix of urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh alongside rural areas requires civil engineers for bridge maintenance, water systems, and development projects. Major pharmaceutical companies and tech firms also employ civil engineers for facility design and campus development projects.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.