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

The estimated starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Norfolk, VA is $63,240 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. The national average starting salary for this major is $68,000. Salaries in Norfolk are 7% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Civil Engineering degree worth it in Norfolk?

A Civil Engineering degree in Norfolk has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.6 years, with a projected lifetime return of $710,444 after subtracting education costs. With 16 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,571/year, Norfolk offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.6% 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 Norfolk?

The average annual public university tuition in Norfolk is $10,571, while private universities average $25,348/year. Including room and board ($9,443/year), total 4-year costs range from $80,056 at a public school to $139,164 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Norfolk is $15,816/year.

What jobs can Civil Engineering graduates get in Norfolk?

Civil Engineering graduates in Norfolk can pursue careers as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Structural Analysis, AutoCAD, Surveying, Project Management. The Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Civil Engineering graduates in Norfolk would pay $909/month on an estimated $80,056 in loans, with $29,026 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,566/month but save $15,099 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $63,240, monthly payments would represent 17% of gross monthly income.

Civil Engineering Degree in Norfolk, VA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$63K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$93K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.6 yrs

in Norfolk

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Civil Engineering in Norfolk, VA Overview

Norfolk, Virginia (pop. 238,005) has 16 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 93 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $956/month. Civil Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Structural Analysis and AutoCAD. The adjusted starting salary in Norfolk is approximately $63,240.

Civil Engineering Salary in Norfolk (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Norfolk's cost of living index of 93 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,240($-4,760 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$93,000($-7,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$116,250($-8,750 vs national)

Note: National average Civil Engineering salary: $68,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $125,000 senior level.Norfolk adjustment factor: 0.93x based on the local cost of living index.

Civil Engineering ROI Calculator for Norfolk

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,571 | Private avg: $25,348

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Norfolk avg aid: $15,816/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$80,056

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$30,690

vs HS diploma in Norfolk

ROI Payback Period

2.6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Norfolk

$710,444

Lifetime earnings premium ($790,500) minus total education cost ($80,056)

Student Loan Payoff for Civil Engineering in Norfolk

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$80,056

Monthly Payment$909

Total Interest$29,026

% of Monthly Income17%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$80,056

Monthly Payment$1,566

Total Interest$13,927

Interest Savings$15,099

Colleges in Norfolk for Civil Engineering

Old Dominion University

public

$11,210/yr

$44,840 total

Norfolk State University

public

$9,932/yr

$39,728 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Tidewater Community College Norfolk

$5,340/yr

Top Employers for Civil Engineering in Norfolk

Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA

$60K starting · COL 88

13 colleges

Chesapeake, VA

$62K starting · COL 91

12 colleges

Arlington, VA

$97K starting · COL 142.5

9 colleges

Richmond, VA

$68K starting · COL 100

11 colleges

Newport News, VA

$63K starting · COL 92.5

7 colleges

Alexandria, VA

$69K starting · COL 102

8 colleges

Hampton, VA

$66K starting · COL 97

7 colleges

Roanoke, VA

$60K starting · COL 88.5

4 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Norfolk

Petroleum Engineering

$47K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$76K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$47K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$74K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$74K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$73K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Civil Engineering degree outcomes in Norfolk, VA: 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 Virginia.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Norfolk 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 Norfolk Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia 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 (Virginia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Virginia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "virginia 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 Norfolk — 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 Norfolk.

Civil Engineering Overview Colleges in Norfolk All Majors