Analysis
Boise State's construction management graduates start strong at $77,109 and climb to nearly six figures within four years—a 29% earnings jump that reflects how quickly good project managers become indispensable in the field. This program outperforms 80% of construction management programs nationally, though it sits near the middle of Idaho's small market (just two schools offer this degree statewide). The trajectory matters more than the state ranking here: these graduates are building equity in a high-demand profession.
The $25,000 debt load translates to a 0.32 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe roughly one-third of their starting salary—manageable even before that four-year salary bump kicks in. That's slightly above Idaho's typical construction management debt but well within reason given the earning potential. At an 84% admission rate, Boise State provides accessible entry into a field where skills and certifications often matter more than pedigree.
For families weighing construction management programs, this represents solid value: above-average starting salaries, strong upward momentum, and debt that won't derail early career decisions. The real question is whether your student wants to manage job sites and coordinate subcontractors—because if they do, Boise State delivers the credentials employers recognize without the debt burden that would force them into every overtime hour just to stay afloat.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $77,109 | $99,500 | +29% |
| California State University-Chico | $89,075 | $102,776 | +15% |
| California State University-East Bay | $99,649 | $97,048 | -3% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $82,591 | $96,930 | +17% |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $75,779 | $75,446 | -0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Construction Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,782 | $77,109 | $99,500 | $25,000 | 0.32 | |
| $4,656 | $75,779 | $75,446 | $15,466 | 0.20 | |
| National Median | — | $72,746 | — | $24,750 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction management graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Boise State University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 56 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.