Civil Engineering at Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,577/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #115 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 $735K $709K $633K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.6x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.8x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,336
Out-of-state: $80,464 (8.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,828
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,770
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,845
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $63,577/yr, Civil Engineering graduates from Tennessee Technological University land near the $69,097 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.6x 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 $20,770 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #115 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places Tennessee Technological University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $63,577 to $75,845 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Tennessee Technological University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Tennessee Technological University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,495 in Cookeville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee Technological 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

Civil Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tennessee Technological University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at Tennessee Technological University?
At 70/100, 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 Tennessee Technological 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 →