2025 Best Colleges for Civil Engineering in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Civil Engineering programs in California. We looked at 26 programs to put our Civil Engineering rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Civil Engineering in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Civil Engineering is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Civil Engineering: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Civil Engineering in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Civil Engineering undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Civil Engineering degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Civil Engineering Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Civil Engineering in California?

Santa Clara University (SCU) is the best university for majoring in Civil Engineering based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Santa Clara University (SCU) earned an average of $79,473 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Civil Engineering in California?

California State University-Fresno is the cheapest university for majoring in Civil Engineering based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,311 to attend California State University-Fresno.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Civil Engineering in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Civil Engineering based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#16 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $65,531
Average Debt $20,000
Program Size 268
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 268 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $65,531.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#17 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $64,679
Average Debt $21,000
Program Size 160
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
Video Rating
UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 160 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $64,679.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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#18 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $64,679
Average Debt $21,000
Program Size 160
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 160 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $64,679.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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#19 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $64,553
Average Debt $18,000
Program Size 243
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
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San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 243 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $64,553.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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4.0
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#20 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $63,217
Average Debt $20,802
Program Size 96
California State University-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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California State University-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 96 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $63,217.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 6,512 students
Tuition $6,355
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#21 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $62,479
Average Debt $16,925
Program Size 127
California State University-Fresno
4 Year
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno, located in Fresno, CA has 127 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $62,479.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 5,276 students
Tuition $6,311
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#22 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $61,281
Average Debt $19,446
Program Size 225
California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)
4 Year
Long Beach, CA
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California State University-Long Beach (CSULB), located in Long Beach, CA has 225 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $61,281.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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#23 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $60,704
Average Debt $20,000
Program Size 306
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
Video Rating
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 306 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $60,704.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
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#24 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $60,298
Average Debt $22,500
Program Size 190
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
Video Rating
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, CA has 190 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $60,298.
Acceptance Rate 42%
Undergraduates 10,530 students
Tuition $6,437
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#25 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary $58,092
Average Debt $19,884
Program Size 177
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 177 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn $58,092.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
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#26 Best College for Civil Engineering
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 20
Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
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N/A
Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA has 20 students majoring in Civil Engineering. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 5%
Undergraduates 4,779 students
Tuition $46,320
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Other Major Rankings
Best Civil Engineering Programs by State
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