Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection at Luzerne County Community College
Associate's Degree
luzerne.eduAnalysis
In Pennsylvania's construction management programs, Luzerne County's estimated outcomes fall right at the state median—$36,873 in first-year earnings based on comparable programs statewide. That's notably lower than Pennsylvania College of Technology's $44,225, but matches the middle of the pack among PA schools preparing students for construction oversight roles. The national median sits higher at $44,380, suggesting Pennsylvania's construction market may pay less than other regions, or that local programs serve different segments of the industry.
The estimated debt of $10,866 tells a more encouraging story. Similar associate degree construction programs nationally carry a median of $11,433, and Pennsylvania schools average $17,500—meaning this program appears accessible even for the 35% of students receiving Pell grants. With a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.29, graduates from comparable programs could theoretically clear their loans within a year of focused repayment, assuming the earnings hold and career progression follows typical patterns.
The caveat matters here: these figures come from peer programs because Luzerne County's graduate cohort is too small to report separately. That small size could mean limited industry connections or it could mean a tight, focused program—you'd need to visit and ask about job placement support and employer relationships. If the actual outcomes mirror these estimates, the debt load makes this a reasonable entry point into construction management. But verify the school's track record directly before committing.
Where Luzerne County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all building/construction finishing, management, and inspection associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,450 | $36,873* | — | $10,866* | — | |
| $17,940 | $44,225* | — | $17,500* | 0.40 | |
| $9,050 | $36,873* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $31,601* | $39,746 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,380* | — | $11,433* | 0.26 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with building/construction finishing, management, and inspection graduates
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Construction and Building Inspectors
Energy Auditors
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
Glaziers
Carpet Installers
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
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 Luzerne County Community College, 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 median of 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.