Best Civil Engineering Schools in Iowa
Iowa has 3 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 198 recent graduates. Graduates earn $60,985 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $60,166.
3
Schools in IA
$60,985
IA Avg. Earnings
$60,166
National Avg.
225
Schools Nationally
Public vs Private: Civil Engineering in Iowa
Public Schools (2)
$62,142
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$58,673
avg. 2yr earnings
Public schools in Iowa produce comparable or higher early earnings for Civil Engineering graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.
Civil Engineering Schools in Iowa, Ranked by Earnings
#1
I
Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
$62,632
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $61,277
Graduates: 142
Acceptance: 89.1%
#2
U
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
$61,651
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $61,039
Graduates: 56
Acceptance: 84.7%
#3
D
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA · Private
$58,673
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best school for Civil Engineering in Iowa?
Iowa State University ranks #1 for Civil Engineering in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $62,632 within two years of graduation. There are 3 schools offering Civil Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Civil Engineering graduates earn in Iowa?
Civil Engineering graduates in Iowa earn an average of $60,985 within two years of graduation. This is 1% above the national average of $60,166 for this major.
What is the hardest Civil Engineering school to get into in Iowa?
Dordt University is the most selective Civil Engineering program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 71.2%. The average acceptance rate across Civil Engineering programs in the state is 81.7%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Civil Engineering in Iowa?
In Iowa, private Civil Engineering programs produce average earnings of $58,673 vs $62,142 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 1 private options in the state.
Other Popular Majors in Iowa
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $71,489 Computer Science $67,647 Industrial Engineering $67,486 Chemical Engineering $66,073 Computer and Information Sciences, General $61,418 Management Information Systems and Services $61,155 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $59,161 International Business $55,738
All colleges in Iowa → Civil Engineering in Other States
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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.