Civil Engineering at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,289/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #210 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 $751K $723K $643K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,998
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,441
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $69,289/yr, Civil Engineering graduates from Widener University land near the $69,097 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.4x 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 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $26,998 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #210 out of 220 programs, Widener University's financial outcomes for Civil Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $69,289 to $78,441 over five years (13% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Widener University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Widener University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Widener University's Civil Engineering program score?
A score of 56/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Widener 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →