Analysis
University of Akron's construction engineering technology program sits right in the middle of Ohio's small pool of options—above Toledo's graduates but below the national median by about $5,500. More importantly, it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide while placing in just the 24th percentile nationally, which tells you this is more about Ohio's construction market paying less than about program quality. The $25,000 debt load is manageable either way, translating to a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that keeps monthly payments reasonable.
The 9% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests steady progression rather than explosive growth, with graduates moving from $66,780 to $72,707. That's solid momentum in a field where hands-on experience typically increases earning power. The real question is whether your student wants to stay in Ohio—if they're flexible about location, they might earn more starting out at programs in stronger construction markets. If Ohio is home, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack results at an accessible price point.
For a student interested in construction management or field engineering, this represents a practical path with debt that won't dominate their early career. The numbers aren't spectacular, but they're workable, especially given Akron's 71% admission rate makes it attainable for most applicants.
Where University of Akron Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Akron Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Akron Main Campus | $66,780 | $72,707 | +9% |
| University of Florida | $79,410 | $100,890 | +27% |
| California State University-Long Beach | $89,003 | $100,265 | +13% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $87,960 | $97,515 | +11% |
| University of Toledo | $65,585 | $68,384 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Construction Engineering Technologies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,799 | $66,780 | $72,707 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $12,377 | $65,585 | $68,384 | $24,225 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $72,240 | — | $24,744 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies graduates
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 University of Akron Main Campus, approximately 29% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 45 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.