Construction Engineering Technologies at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,310/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market Large (69,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #44 of 45 Construction Engineering Technologies programs

Program Analysis

The data presented reflects a challenging outlook for graduates of Wayne State's Construction Engineering Technologies program. This often stems from a combination of factors specific to the Detroit region and the program's focus. While the local construction sector is dynamic, many entry-level roles may be with smaller, local contractors or in segments with lower wage ceilings compared to national hubs. The "Technologies" designation typically prepares you for roles as technicians, estimators, or site supervisors, rather than licensed civil engineering positions, which inherently impacts earning potential and career progression. Furthermore, the very high AI risk signals significant future disruption to these types of roles, demanding adaptability. You'll need to aggressively network with regional firms and understand the specific local demand. Critically evaluate the curriculum's practical skills and connect with recent alumni to understand their actual career trajectories and ensure this path aligns with your long-term aspirations.

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 $558K $550K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.6x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,188
Out-of-state: $121,676 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,092
-3% less than sticker · See by income

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 15,676 in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne State 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 Wayne State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Construction Engineering Technologies at Wayne State University?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Construction Engineering Technologies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Construction Engineering Technologies careers?
With 51% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $506,042 in decade earnings vs $558,095 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Construction Engineering Technologies from Wayne State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →