Do I need a degree?

Career

I (m29) make roughly $80k per yr as a civil/structural designer, but I don’t have a degree. I’ve been in the industry going on 7 years and have been quite successful, yet I still feel compelled to finish a BSE. With the amount of credits I already have from a past attempt at engineering school, it would take me about 4 years, maybe 5, as a part-time student to finish my bachelors in civil engineering. Here’s my dilemma. By the time I’d graduate, I can reasonably expect my pay grade to be over $100k as a senior designer, again, without a degree. Would it be unrealistic to expect a similar starting salary as an engineer once I switch positions? I mean I’d \*technically\* be a new grad engineer, but I’d be entering into this new role with a decade of related experience. Do you think the stress and commitment would be worth it in the end? TIA for any advice.

Posted Feb 15, 2026, 10:51 PM UTC

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