Civil Engineering at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,549/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #200 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 $768K $739K $654K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 4.0x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,332
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,194
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Valparaiso University's Civil Engineering program produces graduates earning $69,549/yr — within striking distance of the $69,097 national average for this field.

The 4.0x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $69,549 in annual earnings.

At #200 out of 220 programs, Valparaiso University's financial outcomes for Civil Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $69,549 to $80,194 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Valparaiso University

A 92% acceptance rate means Valparaiso University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,229 students in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Valparaiso University's Civil Engineering program score?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Valparaiso University trails the majority of Civil Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Civil Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Civil Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Civil Engineering at Valparaiso University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $186,352, but the average net cost is $86,332 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →