Program Analysis
At $64,604/yr, Civil Engineering graduates from University at Buffalo land near the $69,097 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 16.5x 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 $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
A #127 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places University at Buffalo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $64,604 to $76,516 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.