Construction Engineering Technologies at Farmingdale State College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Farmingdale State delivers solid value in construction engineering technology, combining significantly lower debt than the national average with earnings that beat most New York competitors. At $17,500 in median debt—about $7,200 below the national norm—graduates face one of the best debt burdens in the field nationally (88th percentile). While first-year earnings of $69,942 fall slightly below the national median, they surpass the New York state median and place this program in the 60th percentile among the state's limited options.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates see 12% income growth within four years, reaching $78,089. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means most graduates can manage their loans on about three months' salary, a comfortable position for entering the construction industry. The moderate sample size suggests stable program outcomes without cherry-picked results.
For families concerned about college costs, this represents exactly the kind of practical investment that makes sense: a SUNY school with reasonable admissions standards, minimal debt, and graduates who enter middle-class careers immediately. You're not paying for prestige here—you're paying for skills the construction industry needs, and the numbers show employers value Farmingdale graduates accordingly.
Where Farmingdale State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Farmingdale State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Farmingdale State College graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 39th percentile of all construction engineering technologies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Construction Engineering Technologies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmingdale State College | $69,942 | $78,089 | $17,500 | 0.25 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $67,476 | $77,896 | $10,900 | 0.16 |
| National Median | $72,240 | — | $24,744 | 0.34 |
Other Construction Engineering Technologies Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn | $7,332 | $67,476 | $10,900 |
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 Farmingdale State College, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.