Construction Engineering at University of Nebraska at Omaha

Construction Engineering bachelor's degrees typically deliver strong financial returns, and based on national benchmarks for this specialized field, UNO's program appears positioned to follow that pattern. With estimated first-year earnings around $76,000 and debt of approximately $25,300—derived from comparable programs nationally—graduates would face a manageable debt burden of roughly four months' salary. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio sits well below the 1.0 threshold that financial experts generally consider sustainable for new graduates.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Only 35 schools nationwide offer this specific degree, and with just two programs in Nebraska, there's limited state-level data to confirm how UNO graduates specifically fare in the regional construction market. The program's appeal lies in construction engineering's track record as a field where technical skills translate directly into industry demand—these roles bridge design and execution in ways that contractors value. UNO's 87% admission rate and accessibility (33% Pell recipients) suggest this could be a realistic path for students who might not access more selective engineering programs.

For families weighing this option: the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is genuinely committed to construction-focused engineering work. Before committing, connect with UNO's career services to learn where recent graduates actually landed jobs and at what salaries—concrete placement data matters more than national estimates when you're choosing between Nebraska's limited options in this field.