Program Analysis
Graduates earn $69,129/yr, roughly in line with the $69,097 national median for Civil Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 19.3x 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.
With first-year pay of $69,129 far exceeding the $23,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #86 out of 220 programs, South Dakota State University's Civil Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $69,129 to $77,672 over five years (12% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.