2026 Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees
Choose one of the best online civil engineering bachelor's programs from a list ranked by student satisfaction.
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An online civil engineering degree develops the necessary skills to design, build, and maintain critical infrastructure. Student feedback adds authentic firsthand perspectives so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Old Dominion University is the clear overall leader. It has the highest rating, the only 100% recommendation rate, and the lowest tuition.
- With only three ranked schools, the list of civil engineering programs online is limited in terms of broader comparisons, but you can rest assured that all schools are institutionally accredited.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in civil engineering degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few bachelor's in civil engineering qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include median earnings for civil engineering majors five years after graduation when that data is available. By presenting the most complete data available, we aim to give you an honest, well-rounded picture of each program.
2026 Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $8,040 | $84,251 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | 3.94 / 5 | 94% | $12,239 | $86,788 | ||
| Liberty University | 3.68 / 5 | 75% | $11,700 | N/A |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- ODU's student body has rated it the #1 best civil engineering degree online. This is based on over 200 verified student reviews, just for this school, and 100% would recommend ODU to their peers.
- The online civil engineering technology bachelor’s is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET under both the general and Civil Engineering Technology program criteria.
- Graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, creating a direct first step toward professional engineer licensure in Virginia and many other states.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Old Dominion University are largely positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise approachable professors, helpful advisors, flexible online, evening, and hybrid formats, and a diverse, welcoming campus that supports working adults, military-affiliated learners, and nontraditional students. Many say coursework is rigorous yet practical, with internships, research, and clinical or career-focused experiences that build confidence and job readiness. The clearest frustrations involve administrative inefficiency: financial aid, transcript processing, advising consistency, course availability, and limited career support. Students also repeatedly cite parking headaches, housing limitations, food quality, technology hiccups, child care gaps, and safety concerns in surrounding neighborhoods.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 5,614 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,040
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,040
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $84,251
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- UND’s Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, allowing graduates to meet the educational eligibility requirement for the FE exam and begin the path toward PE licensure in all 50 states.
- Civil engineering students can participate in organizations and project teams including the Steel Bridge Competition Team, Engineers Without Borders, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. There's also research and design work through UND’s Transportation Technology Research Initiative, including infrastructure-focused projects. UND also maintains a Society of Distance Engineering Students specifically for online engineering majors.
1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Degrees
The university has a great feel to it. The people make you feel at home. You will not regret attending The University of North Dakota, mark my words.
Student Review Summary: Reviews for the University of North Dakota are largely positive, driven by solid ratings and frequent recommendations, though a small set of very negative experiences stands out. Students often praise affordable tuition, supportive professors, small classes, and practical preparation for careers or further education. Online learners especially value the flexibility, live class technology, and access to knowledgeable instructors. Several reviews also highlight research, mentoring, inclusivity, and a friendly campus atmosphere. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, poor communication, budget-related cuts, outdated or unreliable technology, limited facilities in some areas, high costs in select cases, and a campus culture some found impersonal.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,157 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,239
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,239
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $86,788
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Liberty’s 133-credit B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for civil and similarly named engineering programs. The curriculum also includes preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- Liberty integrates its Christian mission into engineering applications, including infrastructure work connected to disaster relief, access to water, and nonprofit or ministry operations.
- Students may transfer up to 75% of the degree, an unusually large transfer allowance for a tightly sequenced engineering bachelor’s program.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Liberty University are broadly positive, but sharply divided. Many students praise the flexible online format, accelerated terms, affordable tuition, and strong support for military families, veterans, and working adults balancing jobs, parenting, or health issues. Positive reviews also highlight responsive professors, rigorous writing and research, practical preparation for licensure or career advancement, and clear Christian identity for those seeking faith integration. Negative reviews focus on inconsistent advising, financial aid errors, billing disputes, slow communication, and feeling like a number in a very large online system. Some also report minimal instructor involvement, heavy self-teaching, excessive workload, and faith integration overshadowing subject-specific learning.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 39,156 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,700
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
What Should You Know About an Online Civil Engineering Degree Before Choosing a Program?
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become civil engineers and design critical infrastructure. Program faculty offer classes on physics, materials science, calculus, and structural mechanics to ensure that students understand how to create safe structures such as roads, bridges, and dams.
Given online education's rising popularity, some schools offer online bachelor's degrees through distance learning platforms. Online learners usually take asynchronous classes with no live meetings, but this varies by school. Some civil engineering programs require students to attend campus once or twice a year for intensive laboratory sessions. At other times, enrollees might complete lab work with at-home kits or virtual simulators.
Online bachelor's degrees in civil engineering usually have 120-130 credit hours of coursework split between general education and major classes. These programs might take as little as four years to complete with a full-time schedule. However, many students take more than four years to finish, and colleges often have part-time degree plans for enrollees who need to balance work with school and other responsibilities.
Particular programs might require an internship or externship to give you practical work experience. This means you'll work in person at a location approved by your program's administrators, even if all of your courses are online.
Interested in affordable civil engineering degrees? Explore our rankings of the most affordable online bachelor's in engineering and affordable master's in civil engineering degrees.
What Courses Should You Look for in a Civil Engineering Program Online?
Required courses for a civil engineering major focus on applying the lessons of mathematics, physics, geology, material mechanics, and other disciplines to the construction of public works. Because civil engineers usually work for or alongside government agencies, many degrees include courses in public policy, along with discussions of professional ethics and project management.
To give applicants a flavor of a civil engineering bachelor's program, we've listed a few examples of civil engineering online courses below:
Calculus for Engineers
This branch of mathematics involves the concepts of limits, differential equations, and derivatives. Engineering students focus on using calculus to determine the stress of forces on the different structures they design and build.
Fluid Mechanics
Faculty discuss the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces that affect them. Students learn how to calculate flow, drag, the conservation rate of mass and momentum, and viscosity. Civil engineering students are introduced to the practical applications of fluid mechanics theories in their field.
Physics for Engineers
Students learn the nature of forces and their various applications in civil infrastructure. These include kinetic energy, magnetism, waves, electricity, and sound waves. Later units in the course may introduce concepts from advanced engineering physics, such as lasers and nanotechnology.
Structural Mechanics
In this online class, professors discuss structural engineering in terms of the forces that hold structures together and the various materials that civil engineers can use to build. Students test a variety of physical loads to determine a structure's strength. Faculty may dedicate lessons to structural failure and ways to mitigate the physical stresses that can lead to collapse.
What Other Online Engineering Degrees Should You Compare With Civil Engineering?
Engineering is a broad field, and civil engineering is only one of several majors students can choose from. While engineering programs share foundations in math, science, design, and problem-solving, each discipline focuses on different types of systems, products, or infrastructure.
So, if you're seriously thinking about getting a civil engineering degree but still aren't sure it's the right area of focus, it's often helpful to compare it with related engineering majors. This can help you find the engineering program that best matches your interests and career goals.
Here is a list of alternative engineering disciplines at the bachelor's level:
Aerospace Engineering
Those with aerospace engineering degrees create either planes and helicopters (aeronautical engineering) or spacecraft (astronautical engineering). They follow meticulous safety and testing protocols during all design and manufacturing phases.
Computer Engineering
These professionals earn computer engineering degrees in order to design computer hardware and components. They often work closely with software engineers.
Industrial Engineering
An industrial engineering degree is perfect for those who want to design and improve processes for manufacturers. They take into account the equipment, physical layout, and workflow for each space they work on, then collect and analyze data to determine the efficiency of their ideas.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering degree graduates become the engineers who design machines of all kinds. This field has one of the slowest foreseeable rates of job growth because of improvements in mechanical automation and efficiency.
Software Engineering
These professionals, who earned software engineering degrees, design software and applications for computer platforms, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. They typically work closely with software developers, providing the conceptual and project-management knowledge developers help translate into finished products.
Should You Plan on Earning a Master鈥檚 Degree in Civil Engineering?
tends to lead to higher salaries and lower rates of unemployment. Engineering employers may even give preference to management candidates with advanced degrees.
Civil engineering master's degrees feature coursework on advanced concepts, usually within a program concentration to help students specialize. Some common concentrations include geotechnical engineering, structural analysis and design, and transportation systems. Faculty might also emphasize leadership skills that graduates can use in management roles.
For those on a budget, check out our list of the most affordable online master's degrees in civil engineering based on low tuition.
What Admission Requirements Should You Consider When Comparing Civil Engineering Programs?
A typical college application timeline begins up to a year before actually starting classes. Most candidates apply to college sometime between November and February when enrolling for the fall term.
Most colleges ask applicants for the following items:
-
Official high school or GED transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.0-2.5 (though minimums can vary)
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A letter of recommendation from a teacher
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A personal statement on education and career goals
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Official ACT or SAT scores, with minimums that vary by school (note that some schools have dropped entrance exam requirements)
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online Civil Engineering Degree
How Can You Tell if Civil Engineering Is the Right Major for You?
Civil engineering programs are STEM degrees, so most challenges are related to math and science. You might find this major relatively easy if you excel in these subjects, but you could still struggle with new concepts, technological tools, or soft skills such as critical thinking and collaboration.
Civil engineers design and build the everyday infrastructure that helps societies function smoothly. You've benefited from their expertise and hard work if you've ever walked down a street, driven across a bridge, or drank water from a tap.
What Careers Should You Consider When Choosing an Online Civil Engineering Degree?
You can become a civil engineer with a bachelor's degree in this major, but you might also find a related type of engineering job. This depends on how well you can convince interviewers that your knowledge and skills match what they're seeking.
Most civil engineering degrees online are designed specifically to train the next generation of civil engineers. But not everyone's path is identical after college; you might choose to pursue a graduate degree in this or another engineering specialty, or you may want to enter the workforce right away.
Most civil engineering graduates go on to have careers as . As of the most recent data, this occupation has a median salary of $99,590 per year, or over twice the national median salary for all U.S. jobs. The field is growing at an average rate of 5%, which has stayed that way for a few years and is projected to maintain this rate throughout the end of the decade.
You don't necessarily need a state license to , but you'll almost certainly need one to work on public projects. This is the majority of what most civil engineers do, so most end up getting licensed. See your state's department of licensing for details on requirements in your area.
As discussed, civil engineering education provides good training for other engineering fields. Bachelor's graduates might opt for jobs as or instead.
Should You Choose Civil Engineering or Architecture?
Civil engineers design infrastructure, including transportation and public works utilities, while architects design buildings where people live and work. Both jobs call for some of the same knowledge and skills, such as the physics of loads and an understanding of construction materials.
If designing buildings sounds more appealing than designing infrastructure, you might consider an online architecture degree instead.
What Else Should You Consider When Comparing Online Civil Engineering Programs?
A college education is a serious commitment, so it's important to consider all the factors that matter to you. The questions below might help start this process:
- Is this school accredited? is an important marker of quality. It means that an independent organization has thoroughly reviewed the quality of a college's academic standards, curricula, faculty, and services. You can usually find a school's accreditation status on its website or through the U.S. Department of Education's .
- Is this online civil engineering program accredited? Civil engineering program administrators usually seek programmatic accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Some states require civil engineers to hold an ABET-accredited degree in order to get a license, so it's important to understand the regulations in the state where you want to work before committing to a program. ABET has historically accredited few fully online civil engineering degree programs, so you might need to attend an on-campus or hybrid program to improve your professional prospects. ABET has a of both online and on-campus programs.
- Do I want to study online? Accreditation is the most important factor when considering an online degree. But beyond this, you should consider the nature of online education itself; may feel exciting or nerve-wracking, depending on your personality. Distance learning is flexible and convenient but also less structured than traditional education, so you need the discipline to stay on top of deadlines. At times, you might feel disconnected from colleagues and professors, so be sure to interact with them in discussion forums and consider creating virtual study groups to forge helpful relationships.
- What other factors are important to me? You may want a college stocked with well-reviewed support services. Perhaps a personal friend recommends faculty members at a particular school. Or you might appreciate a diverse student makeup and robust inclusion policies. Think about what your dream college would have, then try to find a real school that matches this as closely as possible.
Student Reviews of Online Civil Engineering Programs
UT Austin was a great school that prioritizes both academics and social life. The classes at UT were fairly reasonable, and it is easy to make long lasting connections there. The alumni network is extremely tight in Austin. It is fairly easy to find a job after graduation.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Practical application engineering versus theoretical. Got a great job doing the exact same thing People who received their Engineering degree do. Be ready to fight the Civil engineering technology stigma though.
Review Date: 9/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For academics, UIUC is top-notch. Especially for students interested in engineering, business, or science, UIUC provides many academic resources, research opportunities, and clubs for networking and experience. Campus life is lacking; the weather is subpar and there isn't much to do outside of campus.
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
For academics, UIUC is top-notch. Especially for students interested in engineering, business, or science, UIUC provides many academic resources, research opportunities, and clubs for networking and experience. Campus life is lacking; the weather is subpar and there isn't much to do outside of campus.
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've really enjoyed my time at Mizzou (University of Missouri - Columbia). I feel this school has given me a great balance of a good education, research opportunities and experience, outreach and involvement, and future career support (career fairs, etc). I also feel that through these experiences and opportunities I have also made lifelong friends and gained experience that is irreplaceable.
Review Date: 4/2/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended a college that struck a meaningful balance between academic rigor and personal growth. The professors were not only knowledgeable but genuinely invested in student success, often making themselves available outside of class for guidance and mentorship. I appreciated the diversity of courses and the encouragement to think critically rather than just memorize information. The campus environment was welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in clubs, events, and community initiatives,... Read More
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school environment was fit for me. The campus is very walkable and pleasant. Our academics are very strong, though theoretical. I prefer theoretical backgrounds but I know others who do not enjoy that type of learning. I tend to lean my interests toward research, which my professors were very receptive of. For those who are more social, UCI offers many clubs and events that can cater to them.
Review Date: 2/10/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of South Carolina was an amazing university. It had a large campus with a community feel and offered all types of majors. There were many clubs and activities that students could join to get involved. There were also professional connections through the surrounding city that aided in professional development.
Review Date: 12/6/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of South Carolina was an amazing university. It had a large campus with a community feel and offered all types of majors. There were many clubs and activities that students could join to get involved. There were also professional connections through the surrounding city that aided in professional development.
Review Date: 12/6/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school is perfect for those who wish to challenge themselves and become a high-performing professional in their chosen career path. Georgia Tech is home to innovative researchers and cutting-technology, offering students a chance to hit the ground running and break new ground in their areas of interest.
Review Date: 2/10/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Started off great at Trine until I realized all the school and professors care about is money. I talked to my advisor for 2 years about getting a minor in environmental engineering. When it came time to schedule classes he sat back and watched me not add a course I needed to achieve my minor. What is the point of an advisor who doesn't advise? Based on what I was using as a reference I was on track to get my minor. He also told me I was done with all of my chat credits, come to find out with only... Read More
Review Date: 11/30/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely love my time at BYU. I think it's the best university I have ever attended. I loved the professors and the classes. I learned so much and had many opportunities to engage with other students. Plenty of things to do for college students. And they had many campus jobs for students. I loved this place.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Manhattan college is a great school for engineering. The alumni are very involved and the college has a mentoring program. It is a school that offers small classes so your professors really get to know you. The career center is very helpful with finding jobs as well as internships.
Review Date: 9/7/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The quality of instruction is extremely high; all of the faculty are very knowledgeable in their fields.
Review Date: 4/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school has a lot of potential. My graduating year got the raw end of the stick, we never really got the classes we needed and if you failed a class it was hard to graduate on time. However, they have made great strides in trying to resolve this issue by redoing some of the curriculum in some of the classes and adding more classes that are diverse.
Review Date: 5/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Florida International University is a great and affordable public college. There a lot of opportunities for scholarships both for local and international students. It has a lot of diversity in its student population which is part of the FIU experience. The campus is modern with an amazing recreational center and dormitory and one of the best I have seen so far as they are always upgrading and constructing new buildings. Plus the campus is literally in the heart of Miami close to the airport and downtown.The... Read More
Review Date: 6/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attend the University of Illinois for four years and obtained my undergraduate degree in civil engineering.
I think that the way that the university and especially the Grainger College of Engineering stands out is the resources they are able to provide for their students- which put you on the best road to success. Through the college I was able to attend career fairs which landed my first internship- which led to a full time offer, I was able to get free tutoring which helped me significant perform... Read More
Review Date: 7/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Utah State has been an amazing experience for me. There are three universities in my state that provide a program for civil engineering. Upon researching the three schools, I thought that Utah State University would be the right fit for me, and I don't regret it at all. Logan is a beautiful city and Utah State provided the atmosphere that I wanted. I made some awesome friends there. The program gave me hands-on experience. Utah State engineering graduates have a great reputation for being very will... Read More
Review Date: 12/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended FSU for my undergrad majoring in engineering. The school provides lots of resources for the students; job fairs, printing services, computer labs equipped with common engineering programs. It is a little difficult in the first years of study to have the engineering campus separate from main campus and have to travel between the two. However, once you get into all engineering courses it is nice to have a separate campus, parking is easier and your surrounded by like minded individuals.... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Oklahoma State University is a fantastic college with pros outweighing the cons 100 to 1. As an institution, OSU is very accessible because all the different departments are within a short walking distance of one another, and any service a student could need (financial, academic, etc.) are located under one roof. The campus is also very enjoyable to walk through because the various greenery and landscaping combine for a gorgeous outing, even outside of walking to class. The staff is very friendly,... Read More
Review Date: 1/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes