Construction Engineering Technologies at Dallas College
Associate's Degree
dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspxAnalysis
Construction engineering technology programs across Texas show considerable variation in outcomes, but peer data suggests Dallas College's offering may outperform the state norm. While first-year earnings of $56,000 are estimates based on similar national programs, they substantially exceed the $38,682 median for Texas construction tech programs—though it's worth noting that comparison figure comes from just one other school with reported data in the state.
The estimated $12,563 debt load aligns closely with both state and national benchmarks for this credential, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22. If the earnings estimates hold true for Dallas College graduates, that means roughly three months of first-year income to cover the entire educational investment—a favorable position for an associate degree program. The strong construction market in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex could support these higher earnings projections, as the region consistently ranks among the nation's most active construction markets.
The uncertainty here matters: with limited actual data from Texas programs, you're betting on whether Dallas College's graduates will track closer to the national median or the lower state figure. Given Dallas's robust construction economy and the program's community college affordability, this represents a calculated risk with reasonable downside protection. Even if earnings land closer to the Texas median, the debt burden remains modest enough to manage.
Where Dallas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Construction Engineering Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,370 | $55,979* | — | $12,563* | — | |
| $7,192 | $38,682* | — | $12,125* | 0.31 | |
| 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 Dallas College, approximately 23% 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.