Best Civil Engineering Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 6 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 152 recent graduates. Graduates earn $58,536 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $60,166.

School choice matters significantly: Vanderbilt University graduates earn $64,913 while Tennessee Technological University graduates earn $53,202 — a $11,711 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TN

$58,536

TN Avg. Earnings

$60,166

National Avg.

225

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Civil Engineering in Tennessee

Public Schools (5)

$57,260

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (1)

$64,913

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $7,653 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Civil Engineering Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$64,913

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 6.3%

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$62,012

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,404

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 77.0%

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public

$58,221

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 92.6%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$56,901

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,677

Graduates: 57

Acceptance: 46.0%

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public

$55,964

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $56,998

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 93.4%

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$53,202

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,823

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 83.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Civil Engineering in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Civil Engineering in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $64,913 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Civil Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Civil Engineering graduates earn in Tennessee?

Civil Engineering graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $58,536 within two years of graduation. This is 3% below the national average of $60,166 for this major.

What is the hardest Civil Engineering school to get into in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University is the most selective Civil Engineering program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Civil Engineering programs in the state is 66.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Civil Engineering in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private Civil Engineering programs produce average earnings of $64,913 vs $57,260 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,457 Chemical Engineering $66,750 Engineering, General $62,877 Computer Science $59,925 Computer Engineering $59,120 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $57,018 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $56,708 Engineering-Related Fields $55,942

All colleges in Tennessee →

Civil Engineering in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.