Civil Engineering · Iowa

Civil Engineering colleges in Iowa

CampusPin lists 36 U.S. colleges in Iowa that offer Civil Engineering programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Civil Engineering applies physics, mechanics, and design to the built environment, roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings, suiting students who want to plan and build public infrastructure.

Schools in Iowa that offer Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering programs in Iowa: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 36 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

36

Public / private

18 / 18

Universities / 2-year

21 / 15

Cities represented

29

In-state tuition range

$2,600–$51,040

Median in-state tuition

$12,982

Lowest published in-state tuition

Southeastern Community College

$2,600

Most selective

St Luke's College

44% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Iowa State University

29,878 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Civil Engineering program

  • Engineering mechanics: statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials
  • Structural analysis and design (steel, reinforced concrete, timber)
  • Geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics
  • Transportation engineering and highway design
  • Water resources, hydraulics, and hydrology
  • Environmental engineering and water/wastewater treatment
  • Surveying, CAD, and civil modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D)
  • Construction management, cost estimation, and the senior capstone design project

Where a Civil Engineering degree can lead

  • Civil engineers
  • Structural Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Water Resources Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager

Typical pay: BLS, 2024 civil engineers median $99,590

A Civil Engineering major covers structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, water resources and hydraulics, environmental engineering, surveying, and construction management, built on a core of calculus, differential equations, physics, and engineering mechanics (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials). Most programs are ABET-accredited four-year BS degrees that include extensive labs, CAD and modeling software, and a senior capstone design project.

Because civil engineering work often affects public safety, the field is tied to professional licensure. Graduates typically take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam near graduation, work several years under a licensed engineer, and then sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a Professional Engineer. Many students choose a sub-discipline, structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, or environmental, through electives or a graduate degree.

Graduates plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure for engineering firms, construction companies, and federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for civil engineers from 2024 to 2034.

Civil Engineering in other states

Other majors in Iowa

Find more Civil Engineering schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 36+ Civil Engineering programs in Iowa by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Civil Engineering schools in IowaAbout the Civil Engineering majorAll colleges in Iowa

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