Construction Engineering Technologies at University of Florida

University of Florida's Construction Engineering Technologies program punches well above its weight nationally while keeping costs remarkably low. Graduates earn nearly $80,000 right out of school—placing them in the 90th percentile nationwide for this field—but carry just $14,738 in debt. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary. Compare that to the national median debt of nearly $25,000, and you're looking at a program that delivers top-tier outcomes without the typical financial burden.

Within Florida, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, which might seem modest until you notice the actual numbers: UF graduates still out-earn peers from University of North Florida ($75,407) and Florida International University ($73,602), and they're earning $100,890 by year four—a solid 27% jump. The competitive Florida market simply has several strong programs clustered together, making percentile rankings less meaningful than the absolute earning power.

For parents concerned about ROI on a specialized technical degree, this program removes most financial risk while positioning graduates for six-figure earnings within four years. The combination of UF's selective academic environment and this program's industry connections creates a clear path to high-paying construction management roles with minimal debt overhang.