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Construction Management at Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $59,809/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (133,100 openings/yr)

ROI 24.2x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #26 of 56 Construction Management programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Construction Management graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$748K	$729K	$640K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.8x	24.2x	21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.4x	6.5x
Probability of Field Employment	82%	75%	54%
DegreeOutlook Score	79	78	76

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,164

Out-of-state: $98,148 (7.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,948

-119% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,750

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$76,819

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Appalachian State University's Construction Management graduates start at $59,809/yr, trailing the $72,738 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 24.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Construction Management career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,750 in median debt clears quickly against $59,809 in annual earnings.

A #26 ranking among 56 Construction Management programs places Appalachian State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 28% earnings increase from $59,809 to $76,819 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Appalachian State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Appalachian State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 19,304 students in Boone, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →

Top Career Paths

Construction managers $106,980/yr

Project management specialists $100,750/yr

Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Construction Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at Appalachian State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 78/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Management at Appalachian State University?

At 78/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Construction Management at Appalachian State University?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Appalachian State University a good choice for Construction Management despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Appalachian State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →