Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,873
Est. from PA median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$10,866
Est. from national median (5 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Luzerne County Community CollegeNanticoke$6,450$36,873*$10,866*
Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport$17,940$44,225*$17,500*0.40
Thaddeus Stevens College of TechnologyLancaster$9,050$36,873**
New Castle School of TradesNew Castle$31,601*$39,746*
National Median$44,380*$11,433*0.26
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with building/construction finishing, management, and inspection graduates

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction and Building Inspectors

Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

$72,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Energy Auditors

Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.

$72,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.

$61,940/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material.

$58,800/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

Apply a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, or marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to fashion durable and decorative surfaces.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Glaziers

Install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.

$55,440/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Carpet Installers

Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors. Install padding and trim flooring materials.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles

Apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential
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.