Program Analysis
Gonzaga University's Civil Engineering graduates start at $74,355/yr — above the $69,097 national average, though not by a wide margin.
At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.
The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,000 in median debt clears quickly against $74,355 in annual earnings.
A #197 ranking among 220 Civil Engineering programs places Gonzaga University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $74,355 to $85,891 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.