Construction Engineering Technologies at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's Construction Engineering Technologies program delivers exactly what employers value: graduates earning $74,199 in their first year while carrying just $27,000 in debt. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay off their loans in about four years while still covering living expenses—a fundamentally sound financial foundation for launching a career.

The earnings here sit just above the national median of $72,240, which is solid but not spectacular. What matters more is the debt picture: at the 25th percentile nationally, NDSU students borrow considerably less than peers at other schools. This advantage likely reflects North Dakota's lower cost of living and reasonable in-state tuition, not necessarily superior program outcomes. Still, graduating with below-average debt while earning above-average wages creates meaningful financial breathing room.

The 96% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest this is an accessible program for students with decent—not exceptional—academic records. For families worried about construction industry volatility, the engineering technology focus here provides more technical depth than basic construction management degrees, potentially offering more career flexibility. At this debt level and with immediate earnings near $75,000, this represents a practical choice for students interested in the building trades who want bachelor's-level credentials without crushing debt.