Analysis
UNL's Construction Engineering Technologies program produces solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes, delivering starting salaries around $72,000 with relatively modest debt loads under $25,000. While graduates earn slightly below the national median in their first year, they're still clearing the national average by about $70,000—and in Nebraska's construction market, this program sits at the 60th percentile statewide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary, which is manageable by most standards.
The 11% earnings bump from year one to year four shows steady but unspectacular growth, which aligns with construction industry norms where field experience matters more than years out of school. At about $80,000 four years in, these graduates are building stable careers rather than experiencing dramatic jumps. The moderate sample size suggests consistent but not overwhelming employer demand for this specific bachelor's program—many construction roles accept either engineering technology degrees or direct industry experience.
For Nebraska families, this is a practical investment with few regional alternatives. The program won't transform your financial trajectory overnight, but it provides reliable entry into construction management roles without the debt burden that could complicate buying equipment or starting a contracting business down the line. Just understand you're paying for credentials and connections in a field where hustle and relationships often matter as much as the diploma.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all construction engineering technologies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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 Nebraska-Lincoln | $71,797 | $79,668 | +11% |
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,108 | $71,797 | $79,668 | $24,964 | 0.35 | |
| $7,008 | $89,003 | $100,265 | $17,866 | 0.20 | |
| $8,064 | $88,648 | — | $21,104 | 0.24 | |
| $7,439 | $87,960 | $97,515 | $16,067 | 0.18 | |
| $8,290 | $81,608 | — | — | — | |
| $12,997 | $80,404 | — | $28,550 | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $72,240 | — | $24,744 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with construction engineering technologies 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 Nebraska-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.