Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina's Construction Engineering Technologies program trails both national and state earnings by significant margins. Starting at $63,401, graduates earn about $9,000 less than the typical program nationally and roughly $2,000 below North Carolina's median. The gap is especially stark against UNC Charlotte, the state's top performer, where graduates start nearly $4,000 higher. While Western Carolina ranks at the 40th percentile statewide—middle of the pack in a small field—it sits in just the 14th percentile nationally, meaning 86% of similar programs produce better initial outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, it matches the state median and sits slightly above the national benchmark. The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, translating to about six months of gross salary. Earnings do grow respectably to $76,573 by year four, a 21% increase that suggests graduates gain valuable experience. However, this trajectory still doesn't close the gap with stronger programs, and construction management roles often reward skills and certifications that graduates might have gained at lower cost through associate degrees or apprenticeships.

For families weighing this investment, the moderate debt load prevents disaster, but the below-average starting salary in a field where location and connections matter makes this a harder sell than comparable programs. If your student is committed to staying in North Carolina's construction sector, seriously explore UNC Charlotte first.