Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,979
Est. from national median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,563
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable construction engineering programs nationally, this associate degree appears to position graduates with around $56,000 in first-year earnings and roughly $12,500 in debt—a ratio that suggests manageable monthly payments. However, Ohio's construction engineering landscape tells a more complex story: similar programs across the state typically produce median earnings of $67,400, suggesting graduates in this field often earn considerably more within Ohio than the national average would indicate.

The gap between national estimates and Ohio-specific outcomes is worth noting. The University of Akron's program, for instance, reports that $67,400 figure for its construction engineering graduates—about $11,500 more annually than what peer programs nationally suggest. This difference could reflect Ohio's specific construction market conditions or variations in program focus. For Lorain County specifically, the actual outcomes may align more closely with state figures given local industry demand, though without reported data we can't confirm this.

The estimated debt load of around $12,500 works out to roughly three months of projected earnings, which by any measure represents a solid return on investment if earnings fall anywhere in the range suggested by comparable programs. Even at the lower national estimate, graduates should be able to manage loan payments comfortably while building careers in a field with strong practical demand.

Where Lorain County Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Construction Engineering Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (11 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lorain County Community CollegeElyria$4,135$55,979*$12,563*
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$67,439*$78,325$24,709*0.37
National Median$55,978*$12,562*0.22
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies graduates

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$64,200/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Lorain County Community College, approximately 27% 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.