Est. Earnings (1yr)
$72,746
Est. from national median (56 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,053
Est. from national median (41 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable construction management programs nationally, this degree appears positioned to deliver solid financial returns. With estimated first-year earnings around $73,000 against roughly $24,000 in debt, graduates would owe about four months' salary—a manageable ratio by any standard. Construction management bachelor's degrees consistently produce strong early earnings across the country, and UT-Knoxville's selective admissions (46% acceptance rate, 1304 average SAT) suggest the program likely attracts capable students who can compete for industry positions.

The caveat here is transparency: because UT-Knoxville's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, these figures reflect what's typical nationally rather than what this specific program has achieved. The four Tennessee schools offering this degree show tight clustering around $72,000 in earnings and $22,000 in debt, which aligns closely with the estimates. Construction is a field where accreditation standards and industry demand create consistency across programs, reducing some of the uncertainty inherent in using peer data.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound—construction management degrees reliably lead to well-paying jobs, and the estimated debt load won't hamstring your graduate financially. Just understand you're making this decision without school-specific proof that UT-Knoxville delivers those outcomes. If the program grows and eventually reports its own data, you'll know whether this bet paid off.

Where The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Construction Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$72,746*$24,053*
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$71,762*$84,889$22,050*0.31
National Median$72,746*$24,750*0.34
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with construction management graduates

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Project Management Specialists

Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.

$100,750/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, approximately 21% 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 national median of 56 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.