Becoming a professional engineer begins with the crucial practical skills that are gained through advanced degree programs at some of the best civil engineering schools. The cheapest online civil engineering degrees can also be some of the best in terms of quality education, featuring flexible virtual courses that do not require an on-campus presence.
The most affordable online civil engineering degree programs in the US are offered by some of the most renowned national universities. Continue reading for all you need to know about the best online programs for civil engineering students, including the cheapest online schools and their institutional rankings, tuition rates, and credit requirements.
Can I Get a Civil Engineering Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a civil engineering degree online. In recent years, many prestigious civil engineering schools have started offering associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees, as well as graduate certificate programs online to students.
Why Should I Get a Civil Engineering Degree Online?
You should get a civil engineering degree online because you can complete it from the comfort of your own home with a flexible schedule that works for you and your needs. With the development of virtual learning platforms and courses that are taught through video streaming, many programs’ graduation requirements can easily be completed within two to three years.
Like an on-campus student studying to become a civil engineer, in an online program, you will also develop key critical thinking skills, project management, and team management skills on top of advanced subjects like physics, statistics, and mathematics.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online civil engineering degree programs in the US include the Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science from Columbus State Community College, Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Idaho State University, and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Indiana State University.
Cheapest Civil Engineering Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science from Columbus State Community College
- Associate of Applied Science Civil Engineering Technology from Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Indiana State University
- Online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Louisiana State University
- Master of Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University
How Much Does an Online Engineering Degree Cost?
An online civil engineering degree costs between $8,000 to $20,000 on average per year, depending on the university. The total cost of online undergraduate and graduate programs will vary with each university due to various factors, such as resident versus non-resident tuition rates, transfer credits policies, and differing graduation requirements.
Will Getting a Civil Engineering Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, an online degree will save you money. By enrolling in a university for civil engineering online rather than on campus, you’ll save on accommodation, transportation, and other miscellaneous fees. Many online engineering degree programs are considerably less expensive than on-campus degrees but equal in quality. Many have very high program rankings.
Online Civil Engineering Programs vs In-Person Civil Engineering Programs
The best online civil engineering programs are practically equal to in-person engineering programs. In fact, the benefit of online civil engineering degree programs is that they are generally cheaper than traditional on-campus degrees without requiring your campus presence.
Benefits of an Online Civil Engineering Degree
- Cheaper tuition. Online programs at civil engineering schools are often priced lower than in-person civil engineering degrees, even though the degree is considered the same quality.
- Lower costs. Students often relocate to a different city or state to attend in-person courses at civil engineering schools. By attending an online degree program, you will save significantly on relocation and transportation costs.
- Work and study. Online programs tend to offer students the ability to create their own schedules. This can be used to your benefit as you may be able to entertain other commitments, such as a job while you’re pursuing your degree.
- Flexible schedules. With the benefit of flexible schedules, you can complete prerequisite courses and fulfill program credit requirements at your own pace. Many online degrees can be completed within two to three years or less.
- Online student support. Due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, the best national universities and civil engineering schools provide student support programs that allocate virtual appointments that allow students to interact with their instructors and receive the support they need.
Benefits of In-Person Civil Engineering Degree Programs
- Structured learning. Flexibility works for many, but some students tend to burn themselves out or procrastinate while enrolled in a degree program. In-person degrees lock the students in a predetermined outline that can be a better fit for structured learning.
- Making connections. The best part of an in-person degree is the connections you can make while completing it. Those you meet in a program will often be the ones you’ll be working with in the industry, so networking is a huge benefit of attending an in-person program.
- Collaborative work. The time it takes to connect via digital methods like email can lead to delays. Physically sitting down and interacting with classmates can often lead to quicker solutions to tasks and important skills like teamwork and communication are enhanced.
- Personalized faculty support. The rapport you build with faculty over the course of the degree will be beneficial when you’re working in the industry. A good relationship can lead to letters of recommendation and work or extracurricular opportunities.
- On-campus facilities. One of the benefits of in-person degrees is that the campus will often have access to expensive equipment and resources that aren’t possible for you to access on your own in an online program.
Online Civil Engineering Degree Career Options
You will have access to the same civil engineering career opportunities as an in-person degree with your online degree, as long as the university is accredited. As an interdisciplinary option, some programs may allow you to take courses in multiple fields of engineering, from mechanical engineering to construction engineering and management.
Below you’ll find information about the job outlook in the civil engineering field.
Civil Engineering Job Outlook
The expected job growth is eight percent by 2030 for the civil engineering field, with roughly 25,000 job openings added each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Civil engineer positions are spread throughout different industries, such as the private airline and construction industries, and public sector industries including urban planning, bridge, and interstate work.
Civil Engineering Salary
According to BLS, the average annual salary is $88,050 for civil engineers. The highest-earning positions are those that are employed by the federal government, with an average salary of $100,730 per year.
Can I Enroll in an Online Civil Engineering Program for Free?
No, there are no free online engineering programs that you can currently enroll in. However, the benefit of enrolling in an online civil engineering program is that you have flexible hours. You can use that flexibility to work part-time and help fund your education, which is considerably cheaper compared to an in-person program.
In addition to working while studying, there are many schools with tuition aid programs, such as scholarships, grants, and federal student aid. These financial aid options can help support tuition costs, with some scholarships covering full tuition.
Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus State Community College | Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science | $168/credit (in state) $343/credit (out of state) |
| Louisiana State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management | $379/credit |
| Kennesaw State University | Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) | $383/credit |
| Iowa State University | Online Masters Degree in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering | $484/credit (in state) $1,192/credit (out of state) |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) | $505/credit (in state) $1,572/credit (out of state) |
| Mississippi State University | Master of Science in Civil Engineering | $514/credit |
| University of Idaho | Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering | $554/credit |
| University of North Dakota | Civil Engineering B.S. | $631/credit |
| Kansas State University | Civil Engineering Master’s Degree | $800/credit |
| Idaho State University | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology | $15,744 total cost |
Civil Engineering Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Programs
We chose the most affordable civil engineering degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Civil Engineering Degree Courses
Some of the most common online civil engineering courses at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels include survey computations, soils laboratory, transportation materials and systems, construction engineering, and groundwater resources evaluation.
Survey Computations
This is a core subject taught at most degree levels in civil engineering disciplines. The course teaches units of conversions and measurements, how to check and adjust raw data, and an introduction to adjustment geometry.
Soils Laboratory
This foundational course teaches students about soil mechanics, standards in soil laboratory testing, index property, and permeability. This is a very important course, and students completing their degrees online receive soil laboratory kits and equipment.
Transportation Materials and Systems
The transportation materials and systems course is taught mostly at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The course covers topics such as qualitative modeling, techniques of modeling, large-scale transportation, and integrated transportation systems.
Construction Engineering
Construction engineering is one of the most important subjects taught at all degree and certificate levels in civil engineering. The course teaches planning, administration, scheduling, and cost estimating methods.
Groundwater Resources Evaluation
This course is usually taught at the master’s level in water transportation concentrations. It teaches students about fundamental water resources management, recharge and sustainable yield estimation, and evaluation of groundwater resources.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Civil Engineering Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to finance your online civil engineering degree. All students can apply for extra financial assistance by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application online.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Civil Engineering Degree
There are many options available to help pay for an online civil engineering degree, including federal and state grants, federal and private loans, as well as work-study options available for online students.
Federal and State Grants
Federal grants are provided by the federal government and state grants are provided through state funding. These grants give relief to students who cannot afford the degree and may also be awarded based on academic merit.
There are many federal and state grants available for online master’s, bachelor’s, and associate programs in civil engineering. If you want to apply for FAFSA, all you have to do is complete the questions on the form and submit the application while enrolling in your desired degree program.
Federal and Private Loans
A federal student loan is offered by the government to qualified students, which you have to pay back after completing your degree and securing a job. Some of the benefits of this type of loan include a federal subsidy, income-driven repayment options, and lower interest rates.
A private loan is offered by a private corporation or body, such as a bank. Some of the benefits of private loans include higher borrowing limits and rewards for good credit scores. Disadvantages include a lack of subsidy, higher interest rates, and repayment regardless of income generation.
Work-Study
The federal work-study program in the United States ensures students can find part-time jobs at the university they are enrolled in. The students are usually paid hourly wages and payments are released on a bi-weekly schedule.
Cheapest Civil Engineering Degree Programs Online
The cheapest civil engineering degree program at the associate level is offered by Columbus State Community College. The cheapest civil engineering degree program at the bachelor’s level is offered by Louisiana State University, while the cheapest civil engineering degree program at the master’s level is offered by Kennesaw State University.
Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Associate Degrees
- Columbus State Community College | Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science. One of the most affordable civil engineering associate degrees in the country offers the best value for money. This is a two-year degree that needs a minimum of 65 credits for completion.
- Idaho State University | Associate of Applied Science Civil Engineering Technology. This associate degree program is offered fully online at Idaho State University. It has a generous admission rate and a great return on investment for those wanting to pursue a career as a civil engineer.
- Seminole State College of Florida | Associate in Arts in Civil Engineering. This associate degree program lays the foundational coursework for a transition to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
- Jones College | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology. This two-year Associate of Applied Science teaches students important skills in construction, AutoCad, and drafting. Students usually transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program after completing this degree.
- Midlands Technical College | Associate in Science in Civil Engineering Technology. One of the cheapest community colleges in the country, Midlands Technical College is a great pit-stop for students who want to continue their engineering education after a gap, and need refresher courses before committing to a four-year degree program.
Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees
- Louisiana State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. The online Bachelor of Science program at Louisiana State University requires 122 credits. Students will learn about management and construction in various fields.
- Indiana State University | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This bachelor’s program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission, 120 completed credits to graduate, and takes approximately four years to finish.
- Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology. This ABET-accredited online Bachelor of Science degree program trains students in consulting, surveying, construction, and development sectors.
- San Diego State University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This degree program helps students develop foundational skills in civil construction in key structures such as infrastructures, bridges, and buildings.
- University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This bachelor’s degree program is offered both as an online option and as an on-campus degree program. It is one of the most affordable online bachelor’s programs in the midwest.
Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
- Kennesaw State University | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This is one of the easiest master’s programs to get into and the most affordable for civil engineering. It requires a grade point average of 2.75 for admission.
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Master of Civil Engineering. One of the cheapest master’s degree programs in civil engineering is offered at North Carolina State University, where the minimum GPA required for admission is 3.0.
- Mississippi State University | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This program is one of the best civil engineering master’s degrees offered in the United States. Admissions require a GPA of 3.0, acceptance from a faculty member, and an undergraduate degree in civil engineering.
- University of Idaho | Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. This degree program allows for flexible learning as it offers online classes asynchronously. The program usually takes two years to complete.
- Iowa State University | Online Master’s Degree in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. The minimum requirements for admission include a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field such as environmental engineering. It also requires high GRE scores in the quantitative section as well as a 3.0 grade point average.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Civil Engineering Jobs With an Online Civil Engineering Degree
| Civil Engineering Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | Bachelor’s degree | 11% growth |
| Geological and Hydrologic Technician | Associate degree | 9% growth |
| Structural Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | 8% growth |
| Mining and Geological Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | 4% growth |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | 4% growth |
Best Jobs With an Online Civil Engineering Degree Explained
The best jobs you can get with an online civil engineering degree are the ones that will get you paid the most right out of your program. You are expected to grow with your time on the job and eventually work your way up to a managerial position.
Is an Online Civil Engineering Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online civil engineering degree is worth it. You’ll be getting the same education as an in-person degree at a fraction of the cost and you’ll be eligible for the same compensation as those who attended in-person programs when looking for a job.
The current market is very open to hiring civil engineers and offers excellent salaries to qualified candidates. In one of the cheapest online civil engineering degrees, you’ll be working and gaining experience that can eventually lead you to a managerial role that will further increase your pay grade.
Additional Reading About Civil Engineering
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Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Degrees FAQ
Idaho State University is the easiest online college due to its high admission rate of 100 percent. Columbus State Community College is the cheapest to attend for its Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree, with a tuition rate of $168 per credit for in-state students.
Getting an online civil engineering degree in the USA will cost from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on what university you decide to attend. Its in-person counterpart can be up to five times the cost.
Civil engineering is a tough degree even when compared to other engineering degrees. However, if you’re looking for an easy civil engineering degree, environmental engineering is considered the most feasible due to its interdisciplinary curriculum.
Some of the best online civil engineering degree programs are offered by the University of North Dakota, with a 55 percent graduation rate, and Old Dominion University, with a graduation rate of 52 percent.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
