Construction Engineering at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento State's Construction Engineering program stands out nationally but faces stiff competition within California. With graduates earning $90,836 in their first year—outperforming the national median by nearly $15,000—this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. Yet that same figure places it at only the 60th percentile among California's handful of construction engineering programs, suggesting the state's construction boom lifts all boats.

The financial equation strongly favors this program. A typical graduate carries just $15,000 in debt against first-year earnings over $90,000, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17—meaning students could theoretically clear their debt in about two months of gross pay. This ratio is exceptional even compared to the low national median of $25,314 in debt for construction engineering programs. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants and a 94% admission rate, Sacramento State provides accessible entry to a high-paying field without the debt burden that typically accompanies engineering degrees.

The 13% earnings growth to $102,535 by year four indicates steady career progression, though it's worth noting this field's strong starting salaries leave less room for dramatic increases compared to other engineering disciplines. For families seeking a reliable path to a six-figure income with minimal debt, this program delivers—particularly if staying in California, where construction engineering consistently commands premium wages.