Est. Earnings (1yr)
$72,240
Est. from national median (45 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,745
Est. from national median (38 programs)

Analysis

Construction engineering technologies programs typically place graduates into solid-paying roles, and Clemson's estimated outcomes fit that pattern. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $72,240 against debt of roughly $24,745 yields a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning you'd owe about 34 cents for every dollar earned in year one. That's comfortably below the 1.0 threshold where debt becomes burdensome, suggesting graduates should be able to handle their loan payments while building financial stability.

What makes this harder to evaluate is that Clemson is the only South Carolina school offering this specific bachelor's program, and the small graduate cohort means we're working entirely with national estimates rather than school-specific outcomes. Construction engineering technologies sits at the intersection of engineering and construction management, preparing students for roles like project engineer, construction coordinator, or field engineer. These positions tend to offer steady employment in a field where practical skills matter as much as the credential itself. Clemson's strong engineering reputation and 38% admission rate suggest quality instruction, though you're betting on that translating to outcomes that meet or exceed the national pattern.

The financial picture looks reasonable on paper, but recognize you're making this decision without seeing actual graduate outcomes from this program. If your child has concrete connections to South Carolina's construction industry or Clemson specifically appeals for other reasons, the estimated numbers don't raise red flags. Otherwise, comparing this to similar programs at other schools where actual earnings data exists would provide more certainty about your return.

Where Clemson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Construction Engineering Technologies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Clemson UniversityClemson$15,554$72,240*$24,745*
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach$7,008$89,003*$100,265$17,866*0.20
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$88,648*$21,104*0.24
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$87,960*$97,515$16,067*0.18
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego$8,290$81,608**
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$80,404*$28,550*0.36
National Median$72,240*$24,744*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies graduates

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$64,200/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Clemson University, approximately 15% 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 45 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.