Civil Engineering at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,566/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #124 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 $771K $741K $656K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.1x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.4x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,460
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $69,566/yr, roughly in line with the $69,097 national median for Civil Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $69,566 far exceeding the $21,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #124 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places University of Missouri-Columbia in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $69,566 to $80,460 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Missouri-Columbia accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,118 students enrolled in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at University of Missouri-Columbia?
At 69/100, 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 Missouri-Columbia?
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 →