Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,979
Est. from national median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,563
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$55,979*—$12,563*—
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$38,682*—$12,125*0.31
National Median—$55,978*—$12,562*0.22
* 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 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.