Civil Engineering at Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,339/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 21.4x earnings multiple (11.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #171 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 $747K $719K $640K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.2x 21.4x 19.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.9x 11.5x 10.2x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,676
Out-of-state: $62,480 (11.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$33,852
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $69,339/yr, Civil Engineering graduates from Purdue University Northwest land near the $69,097 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 21.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #171 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places Purdue University Northwest in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Purdue University Northwest

With 71% of applicants admitted, Purdue University Northwest prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,786 in Hammond, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University Northwest →

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

Civil Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at Purdue University Northwest?
At 63/100, 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 Purdue University Northwest?
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 →