If you’ve ever driven down a road, walked across a bridge, or entered a public building, you’ve experienced the work of a civil engineer. These specialists shape the physical environment in which we live and work, making our lives safer, more convenient, and more efficient. Consider one of these cheapest online civil engineering master’s programs to join the ranks of these dedicated professionals.
Civil engineers enjoy excellent salaries and a stable job market. If you have a bachelor’s in engineering, you can join this field with an online master’s in civil engineering. We have identified 58 degrees from 48 different schools, giving aspiring civil engineers numerous options. In addition, there is an assortment of specializations, including construction engineering, coastal engineering, and geotechnical engineering.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$29,500
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A&T State University ~$7,570
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$11,710
With prices to fit any budget and a wide range of options, there is an online master’s in civil engineering to meet your needs!
29 Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $7,570.00 $26,380.00 $7,570.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
2 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $12,224.00 $19,669.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | (SD) | $14,114.00 $19,479.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Florida State University | (FL) | $14,228.00 $21,024.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,921.00 $37,662.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $17,130.00 | All Students |
9 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | (SC) | $17,678.00 $37,710.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $18,546.00 | All Students |
11 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,922.00 $19,642.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $19,099.00 $52,389.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $19,800.00 | All Students |
14 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $20,150.00 | All Students |
15 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $20,812.00 | All Students |
16 | University of Houston | (TX) | $23,095.00 | All Students |
17 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $23,587.00 $36,187.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $23,730.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
19 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $24,390.00 $45,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $24,450.00 $26,700.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Iowa State University | (IA) | $24,612.00 | All Students |
22 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $24,750.00 | All Students |
23 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $24,775.00 | All Students |
24 | Purdue University | (IN) | $25,000.00 | All Students |
25 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $26,085.00 | All Students |
26 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $26,520.00 | All Students |
27 |  Ohio University | (OH) | $27,264.00 $27,872.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $28,044.00 | All Students |
29 | Auburn University | (AL) | $28,510.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan State University | (MI) | $29,850.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $29,918.00 | All Students | |
University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $31,520.00 | All Students | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $32,032.00 | All Students | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $33,586.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $34,290.00 | All Students | |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of California-Los Angeles | (CA) | $37,800.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado Boulder | (CO) | $37,891.00 $48,391.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Wentworth Institute of Technology | (MA) | $39,485.00 | All Students | |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $40,932.00 | All Students | |
Southern Methodist University | (TX) | $43,500.00 $23,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Lawrence Technological University | (MI) | $43,950.00 | All Students | |
Michigan Technological University | (MI) | $44,880.00 | All Students | |
Clarkson University | (NY) | $45,000.00 | All Students | |
Villanova University | (PA) | $48,050.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $55,800.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $59,940.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,368.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $77,915.00 | All Students |
Methodology of These Rankings
These rankings of online civil engineering programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online civil engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online civil engineering degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in civil engineering must be regionally accredited. Programmatic accreditation is also noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Civil Engineering Master’s Programs?
Civil engineering is an important profession. This is the art and science of designing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure. Buildings, bridges, roads, dams, airports, and drainage systems all fall under the authority of a civil engineer.
A master’s in civil engineering is challenging and complex. Why invest the time, energy, and resources to complete a master’s in civil engineering online? Here are some of the top reasons why people enroll in these programs:
- Excellent salaries: Civil engineers earn some of the best salaries in the job market. They have a median salary of $89,940, while the top 10% earn over $138,690.
- Construct your surroundings: As a civil engineer, you can (quite literally) shape the world around you. You’ll be responsible for the roads, buildings, and civil projects that improve communities and make our modern lifestyle possible.
- Skills for the future: The need for civil engineers will only increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this profession to grow by 7%, driven by a need to upgrade infrastructure, oversee renewable energy projects, and build new roads and facilities to support a growing population.
What’s the Cost for an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering?
This database includes 58 degrees from 48 accredited institutions. With so many options, there is a wide range of prices. While the most expensive is nearly $78,000, the cheapest online civil engineering master’s is below $8,000.
The average cost for these online master’s civil engineering programs is $29,500. Typically, a master’s student needs two years to complete their degree. Assuming a two-year track, the average price comes out to $14,750 annually.
The cheapest online civil engineering master’s degree comes from North Carolina A&T State University, but the low price is only available to state residents. In-state students have an estimated cost of $7,570, while out-of-state students pay $26,380.
For aspiring master’s students from all areas, the most affordable is the Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Kennesaw State University. This program has an estimated cost of $11,710 for all students regardless of location. The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides another affordable option. The school’s master of engineering degrees (construction engineering management and structural engineering) are available at an estimated cost of $17,130 each for all students.
There are many options for students on a budget. This database includes 16 programs with an estimated cost below $20,000 (in-state) and eight programs below $16,000.
The most expensive civil engineering master’s online degrees come from Columbia University. This private Ivy League school has two master of science in engineering programs, each with an estimated cost of $77,915.
With such a broad range of prices, it’s important to find a degree that fits your budget. While prices fluctuate, the cheapest online civil engineering degree will usually come from a public school within your state.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Civil Engineering Degrees?
Many schools offer affordable tuition rates for online civil engineering master’s degrees. These programs, however, are the three most budget-friendly choices:
#1. North Carolina A&T State University
Degree: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Cost: $7,570 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
As we discussed above, this school offers the cheapest online civil engineering master’s degree, assuming you live in North Carolina. Out-of-state students, however, pay a rate that is nearly the average for this database. Either way, students receive a high-quality education from an elite engineering school.
This program provides advanced study in various engineering topics, including environmental resources, structures, regional development, and energy resources. Graduates can move into roles such as roadway engineer, water resources engineer, or geotechnical engineer.
North Carolina A&T State University’s online school works closely with the in-person academic institution. Each degree has a program coordinator who helps students select courses, find student services, and stay on a guided path to graduation.
#2. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Cost: $9,820 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This is another civil engineering master’s online program that provides an affordable rate to in-state students. (In this case, Florida.) However, out-of-state students have an estimated cost of $34,553, roughly $5,000 more than the database average.
This program focuses on safe and sustainable practices in civil engineering. The coursework reflects the diversity of the field, with studies covering the design, construction, and improvement of various infrastructure. The program offers various tracks including smart cities, structural engineering, transportation systems, and water resources.
UCF Online is a respected online school with more than 100 degree programs. The school has a solid foundation of support that includes the UCF Online Connect Center, which has a readily available staff of dedicated professionals.
#3. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Cost: $11,710 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you need the cheapest online civil engineering master’s but don’t live in North Carolina or Florida, this program is your best option. At just under $12,000, this degree allows you to study for a high-demand career at a price that fits nearly any budget. Assuming a two-year track, students can expect to pay less than $6,000 annually for the program.
Students gain a vast combination of skills and knowledge in this program. Available 100% online, the degree is designed for working adults who need a flexible study structure. Students can complete a thesis or non-thesis option and can study subjects like structural, geotechnical, transportation, and environmental engineering.
Kennesaw State University has created a respected online program. This popular, highly rated, innovative online school provides various resources that include support for academic challenges as well as health and wellbeing issues.
Choosing an Online Master’s Degree: Program Types
These programs come in various types and specialties. While they all focus on civil engineering as a discipline, they have different specializations that impact available jobs after graduation.
Most of these degrees are master of science (MS) programs. In this case, that means a master of science in civil engineering. Master of science programs generally focus on the research and scientific methods related to engineering.
You’ll also find master of engineering programs, which share similarities with MS degrees but have distinct differences. Again, these are broad-stroke statements, but a master of engineering will be more about direct professional skills in the engineering field. This may include engineering leadership and management or computer design.
Of more importance, arguably, is the specialization, concentration, or degree track. Within this database, you’ll find a variety of civil-engineering specializations, including:
- Facilities engineering
- Construction engineering
- Structural engineering
- Public works
- Energy infrastructure
- Engineering management
Specialization may depend on your past education and experience. For example, if you have a four-year degree in construction engineering, this may be the best route for your master’s. Cross-specialization, however, is possible and could lead to increased career options.
Accreditation for Civil Engineering Master’s Programs
Colleges and universities receive accreditation from bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Essentially, accreditation is a quality-control system for academia. Schools apply for accreditation, usually through regional groups like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities or the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation is important for students, schools, and the academic system as a whole. Students attending accredited institutions have greater access to financial support, including federal aid. Also, degrees from accredited schools hold greater value in the job market. Employers know that graduates of accredited schools have completed an approved program from a legitimate institution.
Certain degrees can also hold programmatic accreditation, but this is less common for online master’s civil engineering degrees. As long as the program comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a high-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Civil Engineering Master’s Programs
A master’s degree represents the second-highest level of academic achievement. Students in these programs must be prepared for a challenging, rigorous education, so schools have high enrollment standards.
The most basic factor is a bachelor’s degree. To enroll in one of these programs, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably civil engineering. Similar degrees that involve math, science, physics, and civil construction could also apply to these degrees. Much will depend on the school. If you have a school in mind, you can contact the admissions office for enrollment details.
Because these programs include complex, challenging subjects, especially math, physics, computer modeling, and software applications, many schools have GPA requirements. To enroll in a master of science in civil engineering online, you may need a 2.5 or 3.0. Some schools even require a 3.2 or higher.
In addition to transcripts that show your past academic record, you’ll also need a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Schools will request your current resume (many have professional experience requirements) and may require a passing score in the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in Civil or Environmental Engineering, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Although engineers in general rarely need a license, many professionals in civil engineering will need a credential of some kind. For entry-level civil engineers, licensing is usually not needed. However, senior-level civil engineers, especially those working for public organizations, will often need a license.
In this profession, certification is more common. Engineers often have certification from industry groups such as the American Society of Civil Engineers. This group provides credentials that include the Civil Engineering Certification. There are also board certifications in coastal engineering, port engineering, geotechnical engineering, and more. Certification requires an education in engineering and at least ten years of engineering experience.
Salary and Career Information for Civil Engineers
Civil engineers enjoy a high-demand profession that brings excellent salaries. The median income for this occupation, according to the BLS, is $89,940. The top 10% earn over $138,000. You are more likely to be near this high level after completing an online civil engineering master’s degree.
Graduates of these programs often work in management and leadership roles. Engineering managers have a median salary of $158,920, while construction managers have a median of $101,480. Project management specialists, who work for a variety of sectors, have a median income of $95,370.
Civil engineering is a high-growth sector as well. While the overall job market is expected to grow by 3%, the civil engineering field will grow by 5%. The need for infrastructure repair and maintenance, as well as the need for new facilities, will drive this growth.
The largest number of civil engineers are found in high-population states (California, Texas, New York, etc.), but the highest concentration of these professionals is in Alaska, where there are 4.88 civil engineers for every 1,000 jobs. Washington (4.11) is second on the list, followed by Colorado (4.02).
Regardless of where you live, you can likely find employment after completing an online master’s civil engineering program.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Civil Engineering Program?
Finding the best program can be tough, but with information and resources from GetEducated.com, you can select the right online civil engineering master’s for your specific needs.
Start by searching for online degrees from accredited schools. (Hint: all schools in this database are from accredited colleges and universities; it’s one of our requirements!) You can then research total costs to find a degree that matches your budget.
If you need any guidance or further information, our website is loaded with useful resources to make your search even easier!