Construction Management at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,789/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #27 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 $805K $781K $677K
Earnings Multiple 13.5x 13.1x 11.3x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 75% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,368
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,656
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,868
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $70,789/yr, roughly in line with the $72,738 national median for Construction Management. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Construction Management programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Construction Management's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $70,789 far exceeding the $24,656 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #27 of 56 Construction Management programs, Western Illinois University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $84,868 are relatively flat compared to the $70,789 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University accepts 75% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Construction Management at Western Illinois University?
This program scores 77/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Construction Management nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Construction Management careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $677,414 in decade earnings vs $805,453 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →