Construction Engineering Technologies at Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,151/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Large (69,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 of 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs

Program Analysis

The data for this Construction Engineering Technologies program suggests a challenging path, particularly when considering the regional labor market. Ruston, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas often present a different economic landscape for construction professionals than major metropolitan centers. Your career trajectory here might lean more towards regional contractors and smaller-scale projects, which can impact initial salary and growth potential. The "technologies" focus, while practical, often positions graduates for applied roles like cost estimation or site supervision rather than higher-paying design or lead engineering positions found with a full civil engineering degree. This local demand, coupled with the potential for automation in estimation and project management (reflected in the AI risk), means you'll need to be proactive. Seek out internships with firms outside the immediate region or those specializing in more complex infrastructure projects if you aim for higher earning potential and broader career options. Build a robust portfolio of diverse projects to stand out.

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 $589K $577K $526K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.2x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.7x 8.5x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,500
Out-of-state: $67,464 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,836
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,819 in Ruston, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana Tech 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

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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 does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Engineering Technologies at Louisiana Tech University?
At 53/100, 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 Louisiana Tech 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.
Is Louisiana Tech University a good choice for Construction Engineering Technologies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Louisiana Tech 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 →