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Civil Engineering at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $73,835/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)

ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #37 of 220 Civil Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Civil Engineering graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$912K	$867K	$749K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.0x	15.2x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	4.8x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	84%	75%	55%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,948

Out-of-state: $180,056 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,360

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,816

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,661

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $73,835 at University of California-Irvine come in 7% above the national median of $69,097 for Civil Engineering programs.

With a 15.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $73,835 far exceeding the $17,816 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Irvine ranks #37 among 220 Civil Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 28% earnings increase from $73,835 to $94,661 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine accepts 26% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 29,494 in Irvine, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Irvine →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Petroleum engineers $141,280/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Civil Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Irvine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at University of California-Irvine?

At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Civil Engineering at University of California-Irvine?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of California-Irvine one of the best schools for Civil Engineering?

Among 220 Civil Engineering programs, University of California-Irvine's #37 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →