Construction Engineering Technologies at California State University-Long Beach

CSU Long Beach construction engineering technology graduates earn $89,000 right out of the gate—well above the national median and competitive with California's best programs in this field. While this ranks in the 60th percentile statewide (trailing Cal Poly Pomona and Chico by a small margin), it significantly outperforms the national median of $72,240. The relatively modest debt load of $17,866 means graduates owe just 20 cents for every dollar they earn in year one, a ratio that makes this program financially accessible even for families without substantial savings.

The earnings trajectory is solid, climbing to $100,265 by year four—a 13% increase that suggests employers value these graduates' skills. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating this program successfully provides a pathway to middle-class earnings for students from lower-income backgrounds. At a 47% admission rate, it's neither impossibly selective nor a guaranteed accept, which means reasonably qualified students have a genuine shot.

For families weighing construction engineering programs in California, Long Beach offers competitive outcomes at a price that won't burden graduates with crushing debt. You're looking at construction management and field engineering careers with strong starting salaries and room for growth. The program punches above its weight nationally while remaining affordable—exactly what you want from a state university.