Construction Engineering Technologies at Owens Community College

A $12,500 debt load for an associate's degree is manageable by most standards, but the question here is whether this particular program delivers competitive outcomes. Based on comparable construction engineering technology programs nationally, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $56,000—solid for a two-year credential. However, Ohio programs in this field tell a different story: the median for similar programs across the state sits at $67,400, with University of Akron graduates hitting exactly that mark. That's a $11,000 gap that would allow faster debt repayment and more financial breathing room early in a career.

The construction trades remain strong in Ohio, but without actual outcomes data from Owens, you're essentially betting on national averages rather than proven local results. The state's higher median suggests that location, employer networks, or program structure matter significantly in this field. At schools with reported data, graduates are entering the workforce with measurably better earnings potential. Whether Owens connects students to the same opportunities remains unclear—a meaningful unknown when you're comparing programs separated by just an hour's drive and a potential $11,000 annual earnings difference.