Analysis
Based on comparable construction engineering technology programs nationwide, Clark College's associate degree appears to position graduates for solid earning potential with manageable debt. Similar programs typically produce first-year earnings around $56,000 against roughly $12,600 in borrowing—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 that suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within months rather than years. For a two-year credential, this financial profile looks workable.
What makes this harder to assess is the variation within this field nationally. While peer programs show median earnings of $56,000, the strongest programs reach $73,300—a significant spread that highlights how much individual program quality and local construction markets matter. With only two schools offering this credential in Washington and neither reporting outcomes publicly, there's limited visibility into how Clark College specifically performs. The construction industry around Vancouver sits near Portland's active building market, which could strengthen job prospects, but you're essentially betting on that regional advantage without school-specific data to confirm it.
The bottom line: The national benchmarks suggest reasonable value for students entering construction management or engineering support roles, but verify what employers actually hire from Clark College's program and what starting positions look like locally before committing.
Where Clark College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Construction Engineering Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,632 | $55,979* | — | $12,563* | — | |
| $5,774 | $76,154* | $90,703 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $6,718 | $75,253* | $69,774 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $12,799 | $67,439* | $78,325 | $24,709* | 0.37 | |
| $17,940 | $44,518* | $40,651 | $16,095* | 0.36 | |
| $6,694 | $44,162* | $52,517 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $55,978* | — | $12,562* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies 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 Clark College, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.