Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings
$63,401/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (51% exposed)
Job Market
Large (69,200 openings/yr)
ROI
38.2x earnings multiple (20.3x out-of-state)
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 | $720K | $692K | $611K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 39.7x | 38.2x | 33.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 21.1x | 20.3x | 17.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 55% | 48% | 36% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 70 | 69 | 65 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$18,128
Out-of-state: $34,128 (20.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,272
34% growth from Year 1
About Western Carolina University
With 87% of applicants admitted, Western Carolina University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →Top Career Paths
Construction managers
$106,980/yr
Cost estimators
$77,070/yr
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
$64,200/yr
Compare & Explore
Construction Engineering Technologies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Carolina 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 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Carolina University?
At 69/100, Western Carolina University's Construction Engineering Technologies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Construction Engineering Technologies at Western Carolina 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 →