Analysis
Construction engineering degrees typically command strong starting salaries, and peer programs nationally suggest this one should be no exception. Based on the national median of similar bachelor's programs, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $76,000—a solid foundation for an engineering career. The estimated $25,000 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning monthly loan payments would consume roughly one-third of a month's gross income in the first year. That's a manageable burden for an engineering salary, though families should verify Georgia Southern's actual placement outcomes if possible.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only two schools offering this program in Georgia and no reported data for either, you're relying entirely on national benchmarks to gauge outcomes. Construction engineering is generally a reliable field—buildings need designing and projects need managing—but without school-specific data, you can't know whether Georgia Southern's curriculum, industry connections, or regional employer relationships match the national pattern. The 90% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest this isn't a highly selective program, which could mean either accessibility or less competitive peer effects.
For families comfortable with some uncertainty, the estimated numbers suggest a viable path: engineering salaries with student debt that won't dominate your child's budget. But before committing, push for concrete placement data—where recent grads actually work, starting salary ranges, and employer partnerships. The national picture looks promising; you need to confirm Georgia Southern delivers it.
Where Georgia Southern University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Construction Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,905 | $75,998* | — | $25,314* | — | |
| $7,602 | $90,836* | $102,535 | $15,000* | 0.17 | |
| $15,478 | $82,627* | $91,140 | $26,698* | 0.32 | |
| $13,494 | $80,936* | $93,310 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $12,594 | $80,936* | $93,310 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $10,497 | $77,845* | $85,601 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $75,998* | — | $25,314* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
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 Georgia Southern University, approximately 35% 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 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.