Median Earnings (1yr)
$71,845
48th percentile
Median Debt
$20,250
18% below national median

Analysis

UALR's Construction Engineering Technologies program launches graduates into solid $71,000+ starting salaries with manageable debt of around $20,000โ€”a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that's quite comfortable for a technical bachelor's degree. However, this is the only program of its kind in Arkansas, so that 60th state percentile essentially reflects that UALR sits slightly below the national median. The small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly with a larger cohort.

The earnings picture is straightforward: graduates start strong and stay there, with essentially flat growth from year one to year four. While that stability might disappoint those expecting rapid salary progression, the immediate access to $70,000+ jobs right after graduation is nothing to dismiss. The debt load is noticeably lighter than the national median of $24,744, which gives graduates more breathing room early in their careers.

For families weighing this investment, the math works: your child could be earning a solid middle-class income within months of graduation while carrying less debt than most construction engineering tech majors nationally. Just remember that career growth will likely depend on additional credentials, management roles, or job changes rather than automatic salary bumps. The lack of comparable programs statewide means this is your only in-state option if you're committed to this specific degree.

Where University of Arkansas at Little Rock Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Arkansas at Little Rock$71,845$72,268+1%
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%
California State University-Northridge$79,352$95,243+20%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Construction Engineering Technologies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock$8,455$71,845$72,268$20,2500.28
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach$7,008$89,003$100,265$17,8660.20
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$88,648โ€”$21,1040.24
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$87,960$97,515$16,0670.18
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego$8,290$81,608โ€”โ€”โ€”
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$80,404โ€”$28,5500.36
National Medianโ€”$72,240โ€”$24,7440.34

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies 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

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

$77,070/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$64,200/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Arkansas at Little Rock, approximately 41% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.