Best Civil Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 10 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 537 recent graduates. Graduates earn $62,828 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $60,166.

School choice matters significantly: Lehigh University graduates earn $67,660 while Temple University graduates earn $56,641 — a $11,019 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

10
Schools in PA
$62,828
PA Avg. Earnings
$60,166
National Avg.
225
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Civil Engineering in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (3)
$60,784
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$63,704
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $2,920 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Civil Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

#1
L

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$67,660
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,220
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 29.3%
#2
B

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$65,610
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,231
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 32.0%
#3
V

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private

$65,486
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $64,237
Graduates: 48
Acceptance: 25.1%
#4
L

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private

$65,238
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,033
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 31.5%
#5
U

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$62,856
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $62,469
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 95.9%
#6
U

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$62,856
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $62,469
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 49.7%
#7
D

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$62,203
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $63,149
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 77.5%
#8
C

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$60,094
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 11.4%
#9
W

Widener University

Chester, PA · Private

$59,640
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,130
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 84.0%
#10
T

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public

$56,641
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $59,557
Graduates: 85
Acceptance: 82.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Civil Engineering in Pennsylvania?
Lehigh University ranks #1 for Civil Engineering in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $67,660 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Civil Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Civil Engineering graduates earn in Pennsylvania?
Civil Engineering graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $62,828 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $60,166 for this major.
What is the hardest Civil Engineering school to get into in Pennsylvania?
Carnegie Mellon University is the most selective Civil Engineering program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 11.4%. The average acceptance rate across Civil Engineering programs in the state is 51.9%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Civil Engineering in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, private Civil Engineering programs produce average earnings of $63,704 vs $60,784 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.