What is the starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Madison?

The estimated starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Madison, WI is $60,520 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. The national average starting salary for this major is $68,000. Salaries in Madison are 11% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Civil Engineering degree worth it in Madison?

A Civil Engineering degree in Madison has an estimated ROI payback period of 3.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $665,832 after subtracting education costs. With 11 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,725/year, Madison offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Civil Engineering in Madison?

The average annual public university tuition in Madison is $10,725, while private universities average $33,350/year. Including room and board ($11,942/year), total 4-year costs range from $90,668 at a public school to $181,168 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Madison is $15,815/year.

What jobs can Civil Engineering graduates get in Madison?

Civil Engineering graduates in Madison can pursue careers as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Structural Analysis, AutoCAD, Surveying, Project Management. The Madison job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include AECOM, Bechtel, Jacobs.

How long to pay off student loans for Civil Engineering in Madison?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Civil Engineering graduates in Madison would pay $1,030/month on an estimated $90,668 in loans, with $32,874 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,774/month but save $17,101 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $60,520, monthly payments would represent 20% of gross monthly income.

Civil Engineering Degree in Madison, WI — Salary & ROI 2026

Civil Engineering degree analysis for Madison, WI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$61K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$89K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

3.1 yrs

in Madison

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Civil Engineering in Madison, WI Overview

Madison, Wisconsin (pop. 269,840) has 11 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 89 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $902/month. Civil Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Structural Analysis and AutoCAD. The adjusted starting salary in Madison is approximately $60,520.

Civil Engineering Salary in Madison (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Madison's cost of living index of 89 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,520($-7,480 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$89,000($-11,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$111,250($-13,750 vs national)

Note: National average Civil Engineering salary: $68,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $125,000 senior level.Madison adjustment factor: 0.89x based on the local cost of living index.

Civil Engineering ROI Calculator for Madison

Estimate your return on investment for a Civil Engineering degree using local Madison tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,725 | Private avg: $33,350

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Madison avg aid: $15,815/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$90,668

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$29,370

vs HS diploma in Madison

ROI Payback Period

3.1 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Madison

$665,832

Lifetime earnings premium ($756,500) minus total education cost ($90,668)

Student Loan Payoff for Civil Engineering in Madison

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$90,668

Monthly Payment$1,030

Total Interest$32,874

% of Monthly Income20%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$90,668

Monthly Payment$1,774

Total Interest$15,773

Interest Savings$17,101

Colleges in Madison for Civil Engineering

University of Wisconsin-Madison

public

$10,725/yr

$42,900 total

Edgewood College

private

$33,350/yr

$133,400 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Madison Area Technical College

$4,632/yr

Top Employers for Civil Engineering in Madison

Madison offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Civil Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

AECOMBechtelJacobsUS Army Corps of EngineersKiewit

Key Madison Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Civil Engineering Job Titles

Civil EngineerStructural EngineerProject Manager

Civil Engineering in Nearby Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee, WI

$64K starting · COL 94

33 colleges

Green Bay, WI

$58K starting · COL 86

6 colleges

Kenosha, WI

$72K starting · COL 106

8 colleges

Racine, WI

$58K starting · COL 85.8

4 colleges

Appleton, WI

$54K starting · COL 79

6 colleges

Waukesha, WI

$62K starting · COL 90.5

3 colleges

Eau Claire, WI

$58K starting · COL 86

2 colleges

Oshkosh, WI

$73K starting · COL 107

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Madison

Petroleum Engineering

$45K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$45K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$73K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$45K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$71K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$71K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$69K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$45K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Civil Engineering degree outcomes in Madison, WI: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Civil Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Wisconsin.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Madison using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Civil Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Civil Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Civil Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Madison Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Wisconsin students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Wisconsin)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Wisconsin programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "wisconsin higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Civil Engineering Degree in Madison — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Civil Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Madison.

Civil Engineering Overview Colleges in Madison All Majors