Civil Engineering at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,044/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #136 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 $733K $707K $631K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.4x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.3x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,478
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,310
14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $67,044/yr, Civil Engineering graduates from University of Kentucky land near the $69,097 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.4x 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 $22,478 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #136 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $67,044 to $76,310 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Kentucky

With 92% of applicants admitted, University of Kentucky prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at University of Kentucky?
At 68/100, 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 University of Kentucky?
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 →