Construction Management at Pennsylvania College of Technology

Penn College of Technology's Construction Management program produces solid earnings outcomes but trails other Pennsylvania options in a field where career trajectory matters significantly. Graduates earn $72,940 in their first year—just slightly above the national median but about $2,500 below Pennsylvania's state median. With only three schools offering this program in Pennsylvania, that 40th percentile state ranking means this program sits at the bottom tier for in-state alternatives, with Drexel's program delivering notably stronger results at $78,030.

The debt picture offers more comfort: at $27,000, graduates carry less than the national median and slightly below Pennsylvania's typical burden. The 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 4.5 months of their first-year salary—a manageable load that shouldn't constrain career mobility in construction's early years. For a field where professionals typically advance into project management and supervisory roles over time, starting with reasonable debt matters.

The practical verdict: this program will get your child into the construction management field without excessive debt, but if they're Pennsylvania residents comparing in-state options, Drexel's higher first-year earnings could justify investigating whether the investment difference narrows after financial aid. The starting salary here is functional rather than competitive within the state, which may affect initial career placement opportunities with top-tier contractors.