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Cheapest Civil Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Pennsylvania civil engineering programs show a massive $25,924 cost gap between the most affordable option at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ($18,952 net price) and the priciest at Lehigh University ($44,876). Public universities dominate the lower end, with Pitt-Johnstown and Slippery Rock both under $20,000 annually. Early career graduates from Lehigh University earn the highest median salaries at $67,660, while Temple University graduates start at $56,641. Pennsylvania's infrastructure needs create strong demand for civil engineers, particularly with major employers like UPMC expanding medical facilities and Comcast building technology centers across the state. The PA State Grant provides additional savings for in-state students at public institutions, making schools like Slippery Rock even more affordable with in-state tuition dropping to just $10,507.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
2 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
3 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
4 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
5 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
6 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
7 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
8 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
9 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
10 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
11 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
12 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
13 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
14 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
15 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
16 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
17 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown the most affordable civil engineering program?

At $18,952 net price annually, Pitt-Johnstown offers the lowest cost among Pennsylvania's civil engineering programs. In-state students pay even less at $14,646 tuition. Graduates earn a median salary of $62,856, providing strong return on investment. The 97.41% acceptance rate makes admission highly accessible.

How do public and private civil engineering programs compare in cost?

Public programs average significantly lower net prices, with the top three most affordable all being public institutions under $20,000. Private programs like Carnegie Mellon ($31,671) and Lafayette ($32,496) cost substantially more. However, some private schools like York College maintain competitive pricing at $19,685 net cost.

Is Carnegie Mellon worth the higher cost for civil engineering?

Carnegie Mellon charges $31,671 net price but offers a 92.50% graduation rate, the highest among all programs listed. The 11.30% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Graduates earn $60,094 median salary, though not the highest in the state despite the premium tuition.

Where do Pennsylvania civil engineering graduates find the best starting salaries?

Lehigh University graduates command the highest early career earnings at $67,660 median salary. Lafayette College follows at $65,238, while University of Pittsburgh graduates earn $62,856. Pennsylvania's growing healthcare infrastructure and technology sector expansions create strong job demand across the state.

More Civil Engineering Rankings

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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.