Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,013/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Large (69,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $756K $723K $634K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 15.8x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 6.7x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,664
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,502
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,806
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $63,013/yr, Construction Engineering Technologies graduates from Western Kentucky University land near the $71,754 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 15.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Construction Engineering Technologies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $26,502 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #26 ranking among 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs places Western Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 43% earnings increase from $63,013 to $89,806 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Kentucky University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, serving 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky University →

Top Career Paths

Construction managers $106,980/yr
Cost estimators $77,070/yr
Civil engineering technologists and technicians $64,200/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Construction Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Kentucky University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Kentucky University?
At 67/100, the score looks reasonable — but Construction Engineering Technologies 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 Engineering Technologies at Western Kentucky University?
The 51% 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 →