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California State University-East Bay graduates command the highest salaries among affordable Construction Management programs, with median earnings reaching $80,309 annually. This reflects California's construction boom, where infrastructure projects and housing development create steady demand for construction managers. Meanwhile, Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the lowest net cost at just $7,131, demonstrating how students can access quality construction education without breaking the bank. The 15 programs under $20,000 span from Utah's mountain regions to Louisiana's Gulf Coast, each serving local construction markets that range from residential development to commercial projects. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with 13 of the 15 schools being state institutions. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Utah Valley's 40.7% to Christian Brothers University's 56%, suggesting that program structure and student support services play important roles in completion. The construction industry's projected 8% growth through 2031 makes these affordable pathways particularly valuable for students seeking stable career prospects without substantial debt burdens.
50
Programs
$7,131 – $17,365
Net Price Range
$64,529
Avg. Program Earnings
52.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Construction Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
4 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
7 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
8 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
9 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
10 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
11 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
12 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
13 $11,633 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
14 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
15 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
16 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
17 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
18 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
19 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
20 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
21 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
22 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
23 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
24 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
25 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
26 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
27 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
28 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
29 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
30 $14,693 $6,152 26.3%
31 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
32 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
33 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
34 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
35 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
36 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
37 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
38 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
39 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
40 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
41 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
42 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
43 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
44 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
45 $16,435 $12,460 49.3% 76.7%
46 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
47 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
48 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
49 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
50 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What salary differences exist between the most and least expensive programs?

California State University-East Bay charges $11,276 annually but delivers $80,309 in median earnings, while Brigham Young University-Idaho costs only $7,131 with graduates earning $61,218. This $4,145 cost difference translates to nearly $19,000 more in annual earning potential. The data suggests that program location and regional construction markets significantly influence graduate salaries more than tuition costs.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable programs?

Christian Brothers University leads with a 56% graduation rate despite being the only private school in this group. Public institutions show wide variation, from Utah Valley University's 40.7% to University of Nevada-Las Vegas at 50.1%. Western Kentucky University maintains a 53.7% graduation rate while accepting 96.95% of applicants, suggesting strong student support systems.

Is student debt manageable at these Construction Management programs?

Most graduates carry debt loads between $15,000-$25,000, with Brigham Young University-Idaho students averaging just $15,250 in debt. Eastern Kentucky University shows the highest debt at $24,500, but graduates still earn $57,318 annually. Weber State University provides debt data of $15,928, making it another low-debt option for construction management education.

Where do the most selective affordable programs operate?

West Virginia University Institute of Technology maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 64.58%, followed by Eastern Kentucky University at 64.31%. These selective programs contrast sharply with Western Kentucky University's 96.95% acceptance rate. The selectivity often correlates with regional construction market demand rather than program prestige.

Does geographic location affect construction management earning potential?

California State University-East Bay graduates earn $80,309, reflecting the state's high construction wages and cost of living. In contrast, University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates earn $51,273 in a lower-cost region. The $29,036 salary gap demonstrates how local construction markets and regional economic conditions directly influence graduate compensation levels.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.