Construction Management at Kent State University at Kent

Kent State's Construction Management program starts graduates below the national median but performs solidly within Ohio, where only two schools offer this major. First-year earnings of $64,652 fall in the 10th percentile nationally but land at the 60th percentile statewide—essentially matching the Ohio median of $64,482. With just one other in-state option (Ohio Northern at $64,311), Kent State represents the higher-earning choice for Ohio residents looking to stay local.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,041, translating to a manageable 0.37 ratio against first-year earnings. That's slightly better than the national median debt of $24,750, and graduates can expect solid earnings growth to $74,983 by year four—a 16% increase that brings them closer to national benchmarks. For a program at an accessible state university (87% admission rate), these fundamentals work.

The central tradeoff here is geographic: Ohio's construction management graduates earn about $8,000 less annually than the national median, likely reflecting regional market differences in the Midwest versus higher-paying coastal markets. If your student plans to work in Ohio or neighboring states, Kent State delivers appropriate preparation at a fair price. If they're targeting markets where construction management commands premium wages, they might look elsewhere. For in-state tuition and Ohio-based career plans, this is a practical choice.