Construction Management at University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa's construction management graduates start at $68,698—below the national median of $72,746, but dead center for Iowa programs. The earnings gap persists four years out, with graduates reaching $76,875 while the national benchmark sits higher. However, among Iowa's limited options for this degree (just two schools), UNI holds its own, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. Given that most students attend in-state for tuition reasons, this middle-of-the-pack state performance matters more than the national comparison suggests.

The financial fundamentals work reasonably well here. With $23,000 in median debt—slightly below national averages—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. That means first-year earnings cover about three times the debt load, a comfortable cushion in a field where steady employment is typical. The 12% earnings growth over four years is modest but reliable, reflecting construction management's stable career trajectory rather than explosive upside.

For Iowa families looking at construction management programs, UNI offers a straightforward value proposition: accessible admission, reasonable debt, and earnings that match state norms. You're not getting premium national placement, but you're avoiding the debt traps that plague some programs while entering a field with clear career pathways.