Analysis
University of Central Missouri's construction management program delivers solid, practical results: graduates earn $74,177 right out of school and see their income grow to nearly $79,000 within four years. With debt under $25,000, you're looking at a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—meaning graduates owe roughly a third of their first-year salary, which is considered healthy. These numbers land the program at the 60th percentile among Missouri construction management programs and slightly higher nationally, placing it comfortably above the median without breaking into elite territory.
The trajectory here is straightforward rather than spectacular. Earnings growth of 6% over four years suggests steady progression rather than explosive career advancement, but that's typical for construction management where strong starting salaries often plateau somewhat. At this accessible school—where 69% of applicants gain admission—you're getting reliable preparation for a field where demand remains strong and where practical skills matter more than prestige.
For parents concerned about return on investment, this program makes financial sense. Your child would enter a stable field earning well above typical bachelor's degree holders, with debt that's manageable on a construction manager's salary. The moderate sample size confirms this isn't just a handful of outliers—it's a proven track record for graduates entering the workforce.
Where University of Central Missouri Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Missouri 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 Central Missouri | $74,177 | $78,622 | +6% |
| California State University-Chico | $89,075 | $102,776 | +15% |
| Boise State University | $77,109 | $99,500 | +29% |
| California State University-East Bay | $99,649 | $97,048 | -3% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $73,731 | $74,233 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Construction Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,739 | $74,177 | $78,622 | $24,750 | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $73,731 | $74,233 | $24,600 | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $72,746 | — | $24,750 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction management 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 Central Missouri, approximately 26% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.