Analysis
First-year earnings around $73,000 place Dordt's Construction Management program squarely in the middle of what similar bachelor's programs nationally produce—nothing exceptional, but solid for a field with consistent demand. The estimated $26,750 in debt sits slightly above the national median for this major, though that 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within a reasonable timeframe if they secure typical construction management positions.
What makes this estimate harder to evaluate is Iowa's small program landscape—with only two schools offering this degree statewide, and nearby University of Northern Iowa reporting $68,698 for its graduates, Dordt's projected earnings suggest a modest premium. However, both the earnings and debt figures here are drawn from national patterns rather than actual Dordt outcomes, meaning there's meaningful uncertainty about whether this Christian liberal arts college's specific approach to construction management delivers on these projections. Construction management tends to reward hands-on experience and industry connections more than institutional prestige, so the practical training Dordt provides matters more than any ranking.
For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable if your student is committed to construction management specifically—the field offers steady career prospects and the estimated debt burden isn't crushing. Just recognize you're betting on Dordt matching national patterns without program-specific data to confirm it actually does.
Where Dordt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Construction Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,960 | $72,746* | — | $26,750* | — | |
| $9,728 | $68,698* | $76,875 | $23,000* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $72,746* | — | $24,750* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction management 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 Dordt University, approximately 18% 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 56 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.