Skip to main content

Cheapest Civil Engineering Colleges

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

CUNY City College delivers strong value in Civil Engineering with a net cost of just $3,486 while graduates earn $64,706 annually. This stark contrast between investment and return reflects the school's position in New York's construction boom, where the city's $92 billion infrastructure spending creates sustained demand for civil engineers. The data reveals a surprising cost gap among public programs, with the cheapest option costing $3,486 compared to California State University-Fullerton at $5,646. Regional Ohio University campuses occupy the middle tier with net costs around $5,000-$6,000, though their graduation rates hover below 21%. Meanwhile, University of Florida stands out with a 91.5% graduation rate despite charging $6,351 annually. The earnings spread tells an equally compelling story, ranging from $21,964 at Caribbean universities to over $64,000 at top-performing schools. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with California State schools consistently delivering strong earning potential above $59,000. These programs serve regions where aging infrastructure and climate resilience projects fuel engineering job growth.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $11,750
Net Price Range
$56,436
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Civil Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
7 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
8 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
9 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
10 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
11 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
12 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
13 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
14 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
15 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
16 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
17 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
18 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
19 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
20 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
21 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
22 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
23 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
24 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
25 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
26 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
27 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
28 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
29 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
30 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
31 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
32 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
33 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
34 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
35 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
36 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
37 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
38 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
39 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
40 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
41 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
42 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
43 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
44 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
45 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
46 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
47 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
48 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
49 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
50 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College such a strong value for Civil Engineering students?

CUNY City College combines the lowest net cost at $3,486 with the highest graduate earnings at $64,706 among affordable programs. The 66.6% acceptance rate makes admission accessible while maintaining quality outcomes. Students graduate with manageable debt of $19,529 and enter New York's solid construction market where infrastructure projects create consistent demand for civil engineers.

How do California State University programs compare in terms of cost and career outcomes?

California State programs offer strong earning potential with graduates earning between $59,666 and $61,516 annually. Net costs range from $4,113 at CSU-Los Angeles to $6,480 at CSU-Fresno, while debt levels stay reasonable at $13,274-$16,500. These schools serve California's massive infrastructure needs, from earthquake retrofitting to water management systems.

Is University of Florida worth the higher cost compared to other affordable options?

University of Florida justifies its $6,351 net cost with an outstanding 91.5% graduation rate and strong earnings of $64,642. The 23.35% acceptance rate reflects selectivity that ensures student success. Graduates enter Florida's growing infrastructure market, where hurricane resilience projects and population growth drive engineering demand.

Does region affect job prospects for Civil Engineering graduates from affordable programs?

Regional factors significantly impact outcomes, with graduates in major metropolitan areas earning substantially more. New York and California graduates earn over $60,000 annually due to complex urban infrastructure needs. Texas graduates from UT Rio Grande Valley earn $50,439, reflecting the state's energy sector and border infrastructure development priorities.

What explains the low graduation rates at Ohio University regional campuses?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, significantly lower than main campus programs. These campuses serve rural communities with limited local engineering opportunities, leading students to transfer or change majors. Net costs around $5,000-$6,500 remain affordable, but the debt burden of $26,875 poses challenges for non-completing students.

More Civil Engineering Rankings

Best Value Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Under $20,000

Related

All Civil Engineering Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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