Construction Management at Dunwoody College of Technology

This program sits at the bottom of Minnesota's construction management rankings, with graduates earning $62,000 versus $73,000 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Minnesota State-Mankato. That $11,000+ gap is significant, especially when you're also taking on higher debt—$31,000 compared to the state median of $25,000. At just the 25th percentile statewide, three out of four construction management programs in Minnesota deliver better starting outcomes.

The combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt creates a tougher financial start than most alternatives. While the 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, it's less favorable than what you'd find at larger state universities that place graduates in higher-paying positions. The school's 98% admission rate and modest SAT averages suggest it serves students who may need a more accessible entry point, but that accessibility comes with a real cost differential.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—a few outliers could skew these numbers. But given that Minnesota has only four construction management programs and the other three all cluster above $70,000 in starting pay, the pattern is hard to ignore. If your child can gain admission to U of M or one of the Minnesota State campuses, they'll likely graduate with similar debt but significantly better earning potential.