Construction Engineering Technologies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

This bachelor's program lands graduates at $67,450 in their first year—below the national median of $72,240 for construction engineering technology degrees, but right at the median for Illinois programs. With debt estimated at roughly $25,000 based on typical borrowing levels at SIUE, the financial fundamentals look reasonable: you're looking at a debt load that's just over a third of first-year earnings.

The stronger story emerges four years out, when similar programs typically push earnings to $91,000—a 35% jump that reflects real progression in construction management and project oversight roles. While SIUE's construction engineering program starts graduates below the national average, it performs solidly within Illinois, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The accessible admission profile (97% acceptance rate) and moderate Pell enrollment suggest this program serves students who might not access top-tier engineering schools but still need legitimate technical credentials for the construction industry.

The practical takeaway: this appears to be a financially sound path if your student wants hands-on construction management work without the debt burden of pricier engineering programs. The estimated debt is manageable against realistic starting salaries, and the mid-career trajectory suggests genuine advancement potential. Just recognize these figures reflect typical outcomes for construction technology programs nationally—not SIUE's specific track record, which the school hasn't reported due to small class sizes.