Best Civil Engineering Schools in Texas

Texas has 15 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 860 recent graduates. Graduates earn $61,075 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $60,166.

School choice matters significantly: Southern Methodist University graduates earn $73,737 while The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $50,439 — a $23,298 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TX

$61,075

TX Avg. Earnings

$60,166

National Avg.

225

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Civil Engineering in Texas

Public Schools (12)

$59,203

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$68,560

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $9,357 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Civil Engineering Schools in Texas, Ranked by Earnings

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

$73,737

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 61.2%

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private

$71,957

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 7.9%

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

$66,094

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $65,401

Graduates: 170

Acceptance: 63.2%

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

$65,457

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $65,253

Graduates: 57

Acceptance: 69.5%

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public

$63,997

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,040

Graduates: 125

Acceptance: 70.9%

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public

$63,005

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 85.7%

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

$62,848

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,984

Graduates: 87

Acceptance: 29.1%

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · Public

$62,534

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,221

Graduates: 75

Acceptance: 81.3%

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · Public

$60,771

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,646

Graduates: 108

Acceptance: 88.5%

#10

LeTourneau University

Longview, TX · Private

$59,986

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,683

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 40.7%

#11

The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX · Public

$58,221

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $63,925

Graduates: 51

Acceptance: 91.5%

#12

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · Public

$53,358

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $53,955

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 75.3%

#13

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX · Public

$52,107

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $54,413

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 92.3%

#14

The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public

$51,607

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,467

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 99.9%

#15

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, TX · Public

$50,439

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,240

Graduates: 71

Acceptance: 84.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Civil Engineering in Texas?

Southern Methodist University ranks #1 for Civil Engineering in Texas with median graduate earnings of $73,737 within two years of graduation. There are 15 schools offering Civil Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Civil Engineering graduates earn in Texas?

Civil Engineering graduates in Texas earn an average of $61,075 within two years of graduation. This is 2% above the national average of $60,166 for this major.

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

Rice University is the most selective Civil Engineering program in Texas with an acceptance rate of 7.9%. The average acceptance rate across Civil Engineering programs in the state is 69.5%.

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

In Texas, private Civil Engineering programs produce average earnings of $68,560 vs $59,203 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 12 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Texas

Chemical Engineering $70,069 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,562 Computer Engineering $65,273 Industrial Engineering $64,917 Computer Science $64,839 Construction Engineering Technologies $63,237 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $62,062 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $61,898

All colleges in Texas →

Civil Engineering in Other States

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