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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Civil Engineering Schools

248 Colleges in the United States
19,552 Civil Engineering Degrees Awarded
$68,219 Avg Early-Career Salary

Civil Engineering programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their civil engineering programs.

College Factual analyzed 334 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best civil engineering schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Civil Engineering School

Best Civil Engineering Schools

Where you study civil engineering matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Civil Engineering rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Civil Engineering Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Civil Engineering
Bachelor's Degrees in Civil Engineering
Master's Degrees in Civil Engineering
Doctoral Degrees in Civil Engineering

We offer several rankings, including this Best Civil Engineering Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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Best Schools for Civil Engineering in the United States

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the civil engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Civil Engineering

1

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in civil engineering. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 199 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Get the full civil engineering details for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

2
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the top schools for civil engineering. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Stanford University awarded about 215 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $83,740. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete this degree. See the full civil engineering program report for Stanford University

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the top schools for civil engineering. This very large public university is located in the city of Berkeley. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 358 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Berkeley in the most recent data year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $78,142 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California Berkeley graduates carry a median of $14,392 in student loans. Read more about the civil engineering program at University Of California Berkeley

4

A rank of #4 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top schools for civil engineering. Set in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. Johns Hopkins University awarded about 53 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University earn around $84,850 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,426. See the full civil engineering program report for Johns Hopkins University

5

University Of Southern California is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in civil engineering, ranking #5. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. About 82 civil engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $88,144 in their early career. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $8,125 in student loans. Read more about the civil engineering program at University Of Southern California

6

Northwestern University landed the #6 spot for civil engineering this year. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. There were roughly 79 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in civil engineering from Northwestern University

7

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. About 89% of students finish within six years. The University Of Texas At Austin awarded about 232 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Civil Engineering graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $79,334 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,030. See the full civil engineering program report for The University Of Texas At Austin

8

Cornell University placed #8 among the best civil engineering schools. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Cornell University awarded about 79 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Civil Engineering graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $80,811 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,750. See the full civil engineering program report for Cornell University

9

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #9 spot for civil engineering this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 227 civil engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Washington Seattle Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $80,410. Students borrow a median of $14,874 to complete this degree. See the full civil engineering program report for University Of Washington Seattle Campus

10

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #10 position for civil engineering this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. University Of California Los Angeles awarded about 180 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $78,463. Typical student debt for the program is $19,444. See the full civil engineering program report for University Of California Los Angeles

11

Carnegie Mellon University placed #11 among the best civil engineering schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 84 civil engineering degrees were awarded at Carnegie Mellon University in the most recent year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $89,327 in their early career. Carnegie Mellon University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Get the full civil engineering details for Carnegie Mellon University

12

San Jose State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 132 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Read more about the civil engineering program at San Jose State University

13

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 358 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from Texas A And M University College Station earn around $76,016 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Get the full civil engineering details for Texas A And M University College Station

14

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 151 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent data year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn around $83,280 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,424. See the full civil engineering program report for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

15

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 147 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent data year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $76,731 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,437. See the full civil engineering program report for University Of Maryland College Park

16

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #16 for civil engineering this year. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 96% of students finish within six years. About 158 civil engineering degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Civil Engineering graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $88,198 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete this degree. Get the full civil engineering details for Columbia University In The City Of New York

17

University Of California San Diego placed #17 among the best civil engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of La Jolla. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 166 civil engineering degrees were awarded at University Of California San Diego in the most recent year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from University Of California San Diego earn around $77,511 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California San Diego graduates carry a median of $16,400 in student loans. Get the full civil engineering details for University Of California San Diego

18

University Of California Davis came in at #18 for civil engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Davis. About 86% of students finish within six years. University Of California Davis awarded about 191 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $81,037 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,101. More information about a degree in civil engineering from University Of California Davis

19
Vanderbilt University crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University earned the #19 position for civil engineering this year. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 31 civil engineering degrees were awarded at Vanderbilt University in the most recent year. Civil Engineering graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $77,997 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete this degree. See the full civil engineering program report for Vanderbilt University

20
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best civil engineering schools. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. There were roughly 32 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Duke University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their civil engineering degree from Duke University earn around $83,388 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,296. Read more about the civil engineering program at Duke University

21

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #21 position for civil engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 327 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $76,248 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,054 to complete this degree. Get the full civil engineering details for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

22

University Of California Irvine landed the #22 spot for civil engineering this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. University Of California Irvine awarded about 99 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $73,835 in their early career. University Of California Irvine graduates carry a median of $19,700 in student loans. More information about a degree in civil engineering from University Of California Irvine

23

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology earned the #23 position for civil engineering this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cambridge. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 42 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology in the most recent data year. Graduates of the civil engineering program make about $88,805 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,516. See the full civil engineering program report for Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

24
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University earned the #24 position for civil engineering this year. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. About 97 civil engineering degrees were awarded at New York University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from New York University generally make around $82,144. Students borrow a median of $21,905 to complete this degree. Get the full civil engineering details for New York University

25

San Diego State University placed #25 among the best civil engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of San Diego. About 76% of students finish within six years. San Diego State University awarded about 160 civil engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $79,972. Students borrow a median of $19,832 to complete this degree. See the full civil engineering program report for San Diego State University

Rest of the Top 50 Civil Engineering Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s civil engineering ranking:

26
27
28
Santa Clara University crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
29
Tufts University crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
30
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL
39
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
40
Princeton University crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Lafayette College crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA
48
49
50

Additional Civil Engineering Award Winners

These schools also stood out for civil engineering:

Rank School Location
#51 Villanova University Villanova, PA
#56 Colorado School Of Mines Golden, CO
#57 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY
#65 New Jersey Institute Of Technology Newark, NJ
#68 Iowa State University Ames, IA
#71 Clemson University Clemson, SC
#89 University Of Delaware Newark, DE
#90 University At Buffalo Buffalo, NY
#98 University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
#107 Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA
#117 Missouri University Of Science And Technology Rolla, MO

Honorable Mentions

A few more civil engineering schools worth a look:

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Civil Engineering by Region

View the Best Civil Engineering Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to Civil Engineering. Browse the parent area of study.

Major Annual Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 18,858
Structural Engineering 334
Civil Engineering, Other 172
Transportation and Highway Engineering 118
Water Resources Engineering 51
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 19

View All Civil Engineering Concentrations >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 334 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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