Construction Engineering Technologies at University of Akron Main Campus

At nearly $70,000 straight out of an associate's program, University of Akron's Construction Engineering Technologies grads earn 20% more than the national median and match Ohio's state median—impressive for a two-year degree. While these figures rank at the 60th percentile among Ohio programs and 67th nationally, they translate to immediate earning power that rivals many bachelor's degrees. By year four, median earnings climb to $78,325, representing solid 16% growth.

The debt picture looks manageable: $24,709 falls in the 5th percentile nationally for debt (meaning 95% of similar programs carry more), though it's notably higher than the national program median of $12,562. Still, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden given their earning trajectory. The higher debt likely reflects attending a four-year university rather than a community college for this associate's degree.

One critical caveat: this analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary widely. That said, if your child is mechanically inclined and wants to skip the bachelor's degree route, this program delivers construction-industry earnings at associate's-degree speed and cost. Just verify that these outcomes hold true by talking to recent graduates before enrolling.