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Best Value Construction Management Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Brigham Young University-Idaho delivers the lowest net cost at $7,131 while graduates earn $61,218 annually, creating an strong return on investment that outpaces many traditional construction programs. California schools dominate the earnings spectrum, with Cal State Chico graduates averaging $83,091 and East Bay reaching $80,309, reflecting the state's massive infrastructure spending and housing development boom. The construction industry employs over 7.6 million Americans, with management roles concentrated in high-growth regions where these affordable programs operate. Northern Kentucky rounds out the top value tier at $7,168 net cost, proving that geography doesn't determine program quality. Most programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%, making construction management one of the more accessible pathways into a field projected to grow 8% through 2031, faster than average for all occupations.
50
Programs
$7,131 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$64,223
Avg. Program Earnings
59.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Construction Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $63,005 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $7,131 $61,218 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
3 $11,276 $80,309 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
4 $9,962 $57,318 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $14,838 $83,091 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
6 $12,202 $64,837 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
7 $12,599 $66,541 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
8 $13,780 $72,274 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
9 $13,670 $70,829 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
10 $14,401 $69,691 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
11 $14,715 $71,168 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
12 $12,791 $58,943 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
13 $14,922 $68,219 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
14 $11,592 $52,941 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
15 $12,188 $55,286 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
16 $14,487 $64,990 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
17 $11,633 $51,273 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
18 $17,139 $75,204 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
19 $14,609 $63,997 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
20 $13,931 $61,020 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
21 $15,336 $65,573 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
22 $15,015 $63,005 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
23 $15,898 $64,493 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
24 $15,501 $62,012 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
25 $17,413 $69,338 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
26 $16,334 $64,865 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
27 $16,435 $65,131 $12,460 49.3% 76.7%
28 $14,488 $56,776 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
29 $19,182 $72,274 $8,782 61.9% 83.9%
30 $17,084 $63,997 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
31 $17,365 $64,281 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
32 $16,972 $62,409 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
33 $17,816 $64,865 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
34 $18,889 $66,941 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
35 $18,996 $67,101 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
36 $17,502 $61,020 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
37 $16,487 $55,693 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
38 $20,015 $67,101 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
39 $18,609 $59,576 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
40 $21,144 $65,517 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
41 $19,614 $57,619 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
42 $23,790 $67,995 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
43 $22,112 $61,020 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
44 $24,021 $63,005 $48,421 71.5% 63.5%
45 $27,704 $65,387 $20,768 57.8% 70.4%
46 $25,600 $57,318 $49,600 61.0% 82.6%
47 $34,170 $68,821 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
48 $28,163 $55,964 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
49 $25,727 $50,563 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
50 $38,428 $69,338 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $76,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Regional job markets create dramatic salary differences, with California programs like Chico ($83,091) and East Bay ($80,309) benefiting from the state's construction boom and high living costs. Midwest schools like Western Illinois show lower earnings at $52,941, but the cost of living adjustment often balances the equation. Construction managers in California oversee projects worth millions more than typical regional developments. The gap also reflects different industry focuses, from residential development to commercial megaprojects.

How do graduation rates impact the value calculation for these programs?

Arizona State leads with a 67.8% graduation rate despite charging $13,670 net, while Alaska Anchorage shows just 28.9% completion despite strong $72,274 earnings. The correlation between completion and cost isn't straightforward, as several affordable programs like Northern Kentucky (48.3%) and Eastern Kentucky (49.7%) maintain respectable rates. Students should weigh the risk of non-completion against potential earnings, especially at schools with rates below 45%.

Is the private option at BYU-Idaho worth considering over public alternatives?

BYU-Idaho offers the absolute lowest net cost at $7,131 with a solid 55.1% graduation rate and $61,218 average earnings. However, the religious affiliation requires adherence to honor code standards that may not suit all students. Public alternatives like Northern Kentucky ($7,168) and Cal State East Bay ($11,276) provide similar value without lifestyle restrictions. The $46,000 salary difference between BYU-Idaho and top California programs might justify higher net costs for career-focused students.

Does student debt load vary significantly among these value programs?

Debt ranges from $15,250 at BYU-Idaho to $24,656 at Western Illinois, creating different financial pressures despite similar net costs. Several strong programs like Middle Tennessee ($17,000) and Northern Kentucky ($17,875) keep debt loads manageable relative to earning potential. The debt-to-income ratio matters more than absolute numbers, as California graduates earning $80,000+ can handle higher debt loads than Midwest graduates earning $50,000. Students should target debt levels below 30% of expected first-year salary.

Where do these programs show the strongest regional job placement advantages?

Western states dominate earnings due to infrastructure investment and population growth, with Washington State ($69,691), Arizona State ($70,829), and California schools leading the pack. Mountain West and Pacific regions face construction labor shortages, driving up management salaries for new graduates. Midwest programs like Nebraska-Omaha ($58,943) and Indiana State ($55,286) serve stable but slower-growth markets. Students willing to relocate after graduation can leverage affordable Midwest education for Western job markets.

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