Construction Engineeringat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $77,845/yr in their first year — about 2.0% above the national Construction Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $854K; scenarios range from $744K to $898K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
Iowa State's Construction Engineering program offers a distinct advantage within a specialized field, blending rigorous engineering principles with critical project management skills. The strong career outcomes reflect consistent demand for graduates who can bridge the gap between design and execution, guiding complex building and infrastructure projects from conception to completion. You'll find opportunities with major general contractors, heavy civil firms, and specialized subcontractors across the Midwest and nationally, working on everything from bridges to commercial high-rises. While the data notes a higher AI risk, this often pertains to the optimization of planning and resource allocation rather than replacing your on-site presence or crucial problem-solving expertise. To thrive, focus heavily on internships and developing strong communication skills, as managing people and projects remains paramount.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Iowa State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Construction Engineering
How Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Construction Engineering at Iowa State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Construction Engineering at Iowa State University?
This program scores 76/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Construction Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Construction Engineering careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $744,456 in decade earnings vs $898,267 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Iowa State University's Construction Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 14 programs nationally, Iowa State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.