Best Schools for Construction Engineering

Construction Engineering graduates earn a median of $71,301 within two years of graduation, ranking #7 out of 292 tracked majors — 101% above the median across all fields. There are 13 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 490 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: National University graduates earn $82,440 while North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates earn $59,417 — a $23,023 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Construction Engineering graduates see an average -1% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

13
Schools
$71,301
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#7
of 292 Majors
490
Graduates

Public vs Private: Construction Engineering

Public (10 schools)
$70,529
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (3 schools)
$73,876
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,347 more in early earnings on average for Construction Engineering graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Construction Engineering by State

Top Construction Engineering Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
N

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

$82,440
2yr Earnings
1yr: $79,856
Grads: 21
Acceptance: N/A
#2
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$80,779
2yr Earnings
1yr: $81,148
Grads: 38
Acceptance: 93.6%
#3
P

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

$78,343
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 50.3%
#4
T

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public

$76,460
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.8%
#5
M

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$73,949
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 87.4%
#6
O

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

$71,295
2yr Earnings
1yr: $73,542
Grads: 91
Acceptance: 78.8%
#7
O

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public

$71,295
2yr Earnings
1yr: $73,542
Grads: 91
Acceptance: 68.4%
#8
I

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$70,083
2yr Earnings
1yr: $71,580
Grads: 79
Acceptance: 89.1%
#9
T

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public

$68,139
2yr Earnings
1yr: $68,843
Grads: 29
Acceptance: 70.9%
#10
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$67,324
2yr Earnings
1yr: $68,755
Grads: 40
Acceptance: 57.0%
#11
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$65,238
2yr Earnings
1yr: $67,331
Grads: 31
Acceptance: 76.7%
#12
B

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH · Public

$62,154
2yr Earnings
1yr: $63,158
Grads: 70
Acceptance: 80.6%
#13
N

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public

$59,417
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 95.8%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Construction Engineering?
National University ranks #1 for Construction Engineering with median graduate earnings of $82,440 within two years. There are 13 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Construction Engineering graduates earn?
Construction Engineering graduates earn an average of $71,301 within two years of graduation. This is 101% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $59,417 to $82,440 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Construction Engineering program?
The average acceptance rate across Construction Engineering programs is 77.1%. The most selective program is at Purdue University-Main Campus with a 50.3% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Construction Engineering?
Private Construction Engineering programs average $73,876 in early earnings vs $70,529 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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