Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $69,706 track close to the $69,097 national median for Civil Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 12.2x 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.
At $24,750 in median debt against $69,706 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
A #140 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $69,706 to $80,962 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.