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Construction Management at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $92,785/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,100 openings/yr)
ROI 20.8x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 of 56 Construction Management programs

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 $959K $923K $778K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.7x 20.8x 17.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.4x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 75% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $92,785 put California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Construction Management program 28% above the national median of $72,738 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 20.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Construction Management career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $92,785 far exceeding the $18,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #35 ranking among 56 Construction Management programs places California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 21,521 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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

Compare this program → View all 56 schools offering Construction Management →

Construction Management at Other Schools

California State University-East Bay ($99,649) California State University-Chico ($89,075) Weber State University ($82,914) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($82,591) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($81,880) Central Washington University ($81,666) Milwaukee School of Engineering ($79,353) Drexel University ($78,030)

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($81,186)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Construction Management trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Management at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 73/100, the score looks reasonable — but Construction Management is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Construction Management at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →