Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $67,373 track close to the $69,097 national median for Civil Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 21.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $20,913 in median debt against $67,373 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #79 out of 220 programs, Montana State University's Civil Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $67,373 to $76,388 over five years (13% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.