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Best Online Civil Engineering Programs
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Online civil engineering programs are becoming increasingly popular as students seek flexible and accessible education options. With earnings in this field averaging over $63,000, prospective students are weighing their choices carefully to find a program that aligns with their career goals and financial situation. The schools highlighted here stand out for their diverse offerings and outcomes that can shape a student's future.
What sets the strongest programs apart is their ability to deliver outcomes that matter: solid earnings, manageable debt, and completion rates that reflect student success. Here, we rank the best options based on these metrics, emphasizing not just the earning potential but also graduation rates and net price. The list below reflects schools that not only promise education but also deliver measurable results in the real world.
For instance, the University of Florida-Online boasts an impressive graduation rate of 81% and a low net price of $4,815, making it an appealing choice for many. In contrast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has higher earnings potential at $84,131 but a lower graduation rate of 21% and a significantly higher net price of $18,725. This contrast illustrates the tradeoffs that students must consider as they navigate their options.
How We Ranked
Online Civil Engineering programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates earn an average of $84,131, the highest on this list.
The University of Florida-Online has a graduation rate of 81%, significantly above the average of 37%.
Students from Arizona State University Digital Immersion face an average debt of $19,500.
Western Governors University offers a low net price of $12,548, making it one of the more affordable choices.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #2 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #3 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #4 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #5 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #6 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
With a median earnings figure of $84,131 a decade after graduation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide makes a compelling case for aspiring aviation and aerospace professionals. The university's focus on these fields attracts students passionate about flight, engineering, and technology, creating a vibrant community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University's Digital Immersion program caters to students eager to engage with cutting-edge online education. With 53,782 students enrolled, the university is a large and diverse community, where individuals can connect and collaborate while pursuing their academic goals in a flexible format tailored to modern learners.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Florida-Online stands out for its impressive graduation rate of 81%, reflecting strong student support and engagement. With 4,627 students, this public university offers a tight-knit community focused on academic success. Graduates can expect to earn a median income of $71,588 within a decade, making it an attractive option for future job seekers.
Pillar breakdown
With a staggering enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University creates a unique opportunity for those pursuing online degrees in a variety of fields. The university emphasizes personalized learning, enabling students to progress at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for self-motivated learners balancing work and school commitments.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
With a focus on online learning, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies serves over 1,100 students, offering flexibility that many working adults appreciate. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,479 a decade after finishing their degrees, illustrating the potential return on investment for students looking to advance their careers.
Pillar breakdown
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas Grantham caters to a diverse student body of nearly 2,900. The school has a solid graduation rate of 32%, and graduates earn a median income of $63,496 within ten years of completing their education, reflecting the value of the degrees offered here.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Maryland Global Campus is a large institution with nearly 50,000 students, emphasizing accessibility and online education. It has a graduation rate of 31%, with alumni earning a median salary of $65,287 a decade after graduation, highlighting the school's commitment to helping students achieve their professional goals.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide, located in Los Alamitos, California, is a private nonprofit institution with a focus on providing education to a smaller community of 454 students. This intimate setting may appeal to those looking for personalized attention, and the school has a graduation rate of 36%. Graduates earn a median income of $40,803 within ten years, which can support those entering specific fields after completing their studies.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
With a focus on online and extended education, Northwest University provides a flexible learning environment tailored for students balancing work and life commitments. The school has a small community of 405 students, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere that many find beneficial as they pursue their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles Pacific University, located in San Dimas, caters to a diverse group of 1,483 students, many of whom are looking for an inclusive and supportive educational experience. The school is particularly appealing to those who thrive in community-oriented settings, where the emphasis is placed on both personal and academic growth.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People presents a unique online learning model that makes education accessible to a vast number of students, with enrollment reaching 22,688. This nonprofit institution is designed for those who may not have traditional access to higher education, making it an attractive option for motivated individuals seeking to further their studies at their own pace.
Pillar breakdown
While reviewing these programs, one notable pattern emerges: the University of Florida-Online outperforms Embry-Riddle in graduation rates and net price, despite the latter having the highest earnings potential. With an 81% graduation rate compared to Embry-Riddle's 21%, students at Florida are more likely to complete their degrees, and with a net price of $4,815, the financial burden is considerably lighter.
As you weigh your options, consider how these outcomes align with your personal priorities. Think about location, the specific focus of the program, and your financial situation. If you value lower debt and high graduation rates, the University of Florida might be worth a closer look. Conversely, if maximizing earning potential is your top priority, Embry-Riddle could be more appealing despite its higher costs and lower completion rates.
Ultimately, the decision about which program to choose can have lasting implications for a student’s career and financial stability. In today's economy, selecting the right online civil engineering program is about more than just education; it's about setting up a path to a secure future. Every student's situation is unique, and understanding the data can help families make informed choices that lead to successful outcomes.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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