Cheapest Civil Engineering Colleges in Washington

Public universities dominate Washington's most affordable civil engineering options, with University of Washington-Tacoma leading at just $10,017 net cost compared to $36,371 at the most expensive program. The $26,354 gap between cheapest and most expensive reflects a clear public-private divide in a state where civil engineers design infrastructure for major employers like Boeing and manage urban growth in rapidly expanding tech hubs. Graduates earn between $60,623 and $66,342 annually, with UW-Seattle producing the highest earners despite costing only $13,485 net.

Programs

$10,017 – $36,371

Net Price Range

$63,155

Avg. Program Earnings

69.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Civil Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
2	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
3	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
4	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
5	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992	$33,027	64.2%
6	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
7	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Tacoma the most affordable civil engineering program?

UW-Tacoma offers the lowest net cost at $10,017 for civil engineering students, helped by Washington's generous state grant programs. The campus maintains an 88.35% acceptance rate while delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive programs?

Gonzaga University leads with an 86.90% graduation rate despite being the most expensive at $36,371 net cost. However, UW-Seattle achieves a strong 83.70% graduation rate while costing only $13,485, showing that affordability doesn't mean compromising outcomes.

Where do Washington civil engineering graduates typically find employment?

The state's major infrastructure projects and tech industry expansion create strong demand for civil engineers. Graduates often work for companies like Boeing on aerospace facilities or manage urban development projects in Seattle's growing tech corridor.

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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.