Analysis
The construction industry in Florida offers steady work, and peer programs nationally suggest this associate's degree could position graduates for immediate employment with first-year earnings around $56,000—solid for a two-year credential. The estimated debt of roughly $12,500 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning graduates would owe about 22 cents for every dollar earned that first year. That's a manageable burden that could be paid down relatively quickly.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because Indian River State College's graduate numbers are too small to report, these figures come from similar construction technology programs nationwide rather than actual outcomes from this school. While the national picture for this credential looks reasonable—construction trades typically offer clear career pathways—you're operating without visibility into how Indian River State's specific program performs. The college serves a significant number of Pell-eligible students (33%), which suggests an accessible pathway, but you won't find Florida-specific data to compare against either.
For families comfortable with some ambiguity, the fundamentals—low debt, decent estimated earnings, and Florida's robust construction market—point toward a potentially sound investment. But confirm the program leads to industry-recognized certifications and has active employer partnerships in the Fort Pierce area, since those connections matter more than generic national trends when the data itself is an educated guess.
Where Indian River State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Construction Engineering Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,764 | $55,979* | — | $12,563* | — | |
| $5,774 | $76,154* | $90,703 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $6,718 | $75,253* | $69,774 | $12,000* | 0.16 | |
| $12,799 | $67,439* | $78,325 | $24,709* | 0.37 | |
| $17,940 | $44,518* | $40,651 | $16,095* | 0.36 | |
| $6,694 | $44,162* | $52,517 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $55,978* | — | $12,562* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies 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 Indian River State College, approximately 33% 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 6 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.