Analysis
First-year earnings of $73,249 put this program right in the middle of the pack nationally for construction management degrees, and the estimated $26,750 debt load—based on median borrowing patterns across John Brown's other programs—translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's meaningfully better than the 1.0 threshold where debt payments start to squeeze budgets, and it suggests graduates could potentially pay off loans within a few years if they prioritize it.
What makes construction management particularly attractive here is the clear earnings trajectory: the jump from $73,000 to nearly $88,000 between years one and four shows real income growth as graduates gain experience and move into project management roles. This isn't a field where you hit a ceiling quickly. That said, the debt figure is extrapolated from other programs at John Brown rather than actual borrowing data from construction management graduates specifically, so your child's experience could vary depending on financial aid packages and how efficiently they complete the degree.
The practical takeaway: if your child is drawn to construction management and John Brown's faith-based environment appeals to them, the estimated financial picture suggests reasonable value. The earnings are competitive, the debt appears manageable based on peer programs, and the growth potential is tangible. Just confirm actual aid offers before committing, since the debt estimate is our best guess rather than a certainty.
Where John Brown University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Brown University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University | $73,249 | $87,915 | +20% |
| California State University-Chico | $89,075 | $102,776 | +15% |
| Boise State University | $77,109 | $99,500 | +29% |
| California State University-East Bay | $99,649 | $97,048 | -3% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $82,591 | $96,930 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Construction Management bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,832 | $73,249 | $87,915 | $26,750* | — | |
| $7,055 | $99,649 | $97,048 | —* | — | |
| $11,075 | $92,785 | — | $18,955* | 0.20 | |
| $8,064 | $89,075 | $102,776 | $19,314* | 0.22 | |
| $6,391 | $82,914 | — | $15,000* | 0.18 | |
| $12,051 | $82,591 | $96,930 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $72,746 | — | $24,750* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction management 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 John Brown University, approximately 21% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.