Analysis
ULM's Construction Management graduates enter a field where they'll earn solidly from day one, with a first-year median of $71,915—putting them ahead of 60% of Louisiana programs in the same field, including Louisiana State University's $66,934. While the program sits just below the national median, that state-level advantage matters if your child plans to work in Louisiana, where construction markets are booming.
The real strength here is the debt picture: graduates leave with just $18,901 in loans, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26. That means students can pay off their debt in roughly three months of gross salary—significantly better than the $24,750 national median for construction management programs. This low debt load is exceptional (5th percentile nationally), giving graduates immediate financial flexibility whether they want to save for a home, start a business, or pursue certifications.
For a family looking at in-state tuition at an accessible school (75% admission rate), this program delivers what matters most: immediate earning power with minimal debt burden. Construction management doesn't require an elite pedigree, and ULM gets students into the workforce ready to earn without the financial albatross that hampers many graduates.
Where University of Louisiana at Monroe Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction management bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Construction Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,190 | $71,915 | — | $18,901 | 0.26 | |
| $11,954 | $66,934 | $83,839 | $24,000 | 0.36 | |
| 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 Louisiana at Monroe, approximately 33% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.