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Civil Engineering at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,231/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #195 of 220 Civil Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Civil Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $831K $795K $696K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,296
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $80,231 at Bucknell University come in 16% above the national median of $69,097 for Civil Engineering programs.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $80,231 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #195 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places Bucknell University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $80,231 to $88,296 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University accepts 32% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a compact campus enrolling 3,818 students in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Petroleum engineers $141,280/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 220 schools offering Civil Engineering →

Civil Engineering at Other Schools

Loyola Marymount University ($87,790) University of Southern California ($85,262) Santa Clara University ($84,883) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($80,673) Montana Technological University ($80,327) Cornell University ($80,261) University of California-Berkeley ($78,142) Lawrence Technological University ($77,836)

Other Majors at Bucknell University

Computer Engineering ($90,171) Chemical Engineering ($80,653) Mechanical Engineering ($79,391) International Relations and National Security Studies ($77,312) Accounting and Related Services ($75,776) Economics ($70,946) Marketing ($70,868) Political Science and Government ($53,012)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at Bucknell University?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Civil Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Civil Engineering at Bucknell University?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →