Construction Management at Ferris State University

Ferris State's Construction Management program demonstrates solid fundamentals with a debt load well below what most graduates carry. At $20,750, students here borrow about $4,000 less than the typical Construction Management graduate in Michigan and $4,000 less than the national median. Combined with first-year earnings of $73,292, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28—meaning graduates earn roughly $3.50 for every dollar they borrowed. That's manageable debt for a field where hands-on skills and industry connections matter as much as the name on the diploma.

The earnings trajectory tells a practical story. While Ferris graduates start near the state median, their 11% salary growth to $81,593 by year four suggests they're building valuable experience and moving into supervisory roles. Within Michigan's seven Construction Management programs, Ferris ranks in the 60th percentile—competitive but not exceptional. Northern Michigan edges ahead slightly, but the difference is modest enough that factors like location, internship opportunities, and campus fit probably matter more than the $2,000 earnings gap.

The real advantage here is financial: graduating with moderate debt into a stable, well-paying field. For a student serious about construction management—particularly one who wants to stay in Michigan where the industry is strong—this program delivers career preparation without the debt burden that could complicate early-career decisions like buying equipment or starting a business.