Construction managers organize and oversee entire construction teams. These professionals supervise teams to ensure quality and timely completion of the project. Students earning a construction management degree gain knowledge and skills in both construction and business to effectively lead construction teams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm) projects employment for construction managers to increase 11% from 2016 to 2026, a rate faster than the national average for all occupations.
Graduates with a construction management bachelor’s degree can also pursue other positions, which may require further education. Graduates may become attorneys specializing in construction, construction risk managers, or architects. The business skills students acquire while earning their construction management degree can even prepare them to own and operate their own construction company. The list below includes accredited programs that provide industry-specific knowledge and train students to organize projects and lead teams of construction workers.
Methodology
What do students look for in a construction management program? Answers certainly vary, but we considered that factors like student involvement, high-quality curriculum, and affordability have wide appeal. To start, we used the College Navigator database to acquire a list of all the colleges and universities in the United States that offer bachelor’s degrees in construction management. From there, we collected data on five equally weighted metrics:
Accreditation: The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) sets strict standards for schools seeking accreditation, as it aims not just to ensure that students can identify top quality degrees, but also to certify that graduates of accredited programs are prepared to make “lasting contributions” to the construction industry as professional, highly-knowledgeable constructors. As such, accreditation status was a primary consideration in our methodology, earning schools points for having earned such a distinction (this did not include degree programs with candidacy status).
Degree Popularity: For students interested in business, what would make them more willing to choose construction management as a discipline over similar options that their school offers, for example hospitality administration or international business? Aside from individual preferences, we considered that schools with a particular strength in this field are likely to have a higher concentration of students within the major. Therefore, we vetted schools based on the percentage of all business degrees that they awarded specifically to construction management majors (data for the 2014-15 school year, courtesy of College Navigator). In this way, we were able to indirectly measure degree popularity and student appeal, awarding more points to schools that conferred a higher concentration of degrees in this area.
Program Enrollment: While collecting data on degree popularity, we noted significant variations in program size across schools. We also noted that using the “Degree Popularity” metric alone would be insufficient, as small colleges with only a handful of construction management students (and/or tiny business programs overall) might still score well in measures of popularity. Thus, we struck a balance by also calculating absolute program enrollment on the back end; that is to say, not the number of students who signed up to major in construction management in a given year, but the number who actually graduated and earned degrees in the subject (data also for the 2014-15 school year, also from College Navigator). For each school, more students meant more points.
Graduation Rate: Even beyond metrics that are specific to construction management, there is something to be said for universities that have a successful track record of developing successful students. As such, we rounded out our ranking by looking at each school’s overall graduation rate, defined as the percentage of undergraduate students in a given incoming class who earned their degree within 150% of expected time (typically six years for a four-year program).
Net Price: Of course, no best value ranking would be complete without an assessment of cost. We judged schools on their overall affordability by looking at their self-reported net price. Note that this figure is distinct from tuition, as College Navigator defines net price as a representative annual cost, “generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses.” This category received just as much attention in our ranking as the others, so schools with low overall costs enjoyed a point boost comparable to what high performance would earn them in other categories.
After calculating the raw totals, we ‘curved’ all of the final scores so that the school with the most points received an A+ grade (or 100 points). The list below includes descriptions of the 25 highest-scoring, best construction management degrees we found.
25. Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Construction Management Major
Website
Roger Williams University is home to a unique Construction Management Major that transforms students into leaders capable of negotiating many disparate parts of a construction project simultaneously. In fact, RWU’s ACCE accredited construction management degree features such a strong emphasis on business strategy and management techniques that students actually earn a business minor along with their primary diploma. This diversified approach to student success translates into a wide array of possible career options in the construction industry, including construction supervision, estimation and cost control, project management, and even private practice consultation.
Net Price: $36,025/yr
Score: 73.41
24. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
BS Construction Engineering & Management
Website
Those who already work in construction know that in such a huge field, “working in construction” could mean almost anything. At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Myers-Lawson School of Construction, the primary aim is to develop technically competent engineers who will excel with equal measure in design, research, and management positions. After gaining a strong foundation in construction theory and applications, students earning their BS Construction Engineering & Management at Virginia Tech have the freedom to choose their own path, opting for business and professional development electives that suit their career aspirations.
Net Price: $18,398/yr
Score: 73.78
23. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS
Construction Management -BST
Website
With a laboratory-based approach to coursework, mandatory hands-on, project-based senior capstone projects, and six professional concentrations in the construction management degree program alone, it’s easy to see how Pittsburg State University earned such a high construction management degree ranking. Unlike most other schools on this list, PSU students can select from distinctive “areas of emphasis” that include Building Information Modeling (BIM), Civil Construction, Field Management, and Residential Construction. Combined with PSU’s robust cooperative education program, this pragmatic curriculum gives graduates the edge they need to get ahead in a competitive and increasingly specialized industry.
Net Price: $12,046/yr
Score: 78.54
22. University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
Construction Management Bachelor’s Program
Website
It’s difficult to overestimate the importance of quality construction management in developing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective buildings and infrastructure throughout the United States. The University of Northern Iowa’s Construction Management Bachelor’s Program prepares students for the challenges that lie ahead with a “conceptually based,” interdisciplinary approach that spans engineering, architecture, construction science, business, and even the liberal arts. As a result, UNI students graduate with salient knowledge and experience in auxiliary fields like marketing, financial accounting, and design software. Few universities can claim the same breadth of curriculum that UNI provides, making it one of the best schools for construction management in the country.
Net Price: $12,240/yr
Score: 78.64
21. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI
Construction Management – BS
Website
The building materials and advanced technologies deployed in modern construction changes faster than Middle Eastern skylines. That’s why Michigan Technological University officials consult with an Industrial Advisory Board to keep their construction management programs aligned with the best practices in the industry. MTU’s accreditation from the ACCE also ensures that the quality of their affordable construction management degree always keeps pace with what contractors and developers are looking for in new hires. With an average recent graduate salary of over $60,000, it’s safe to say that MTU keeps both employers and students happy with their Construction Management BS program.
Net Price: $15,629/yr
Score: 79.17
20. Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID
Bachelor of Science – Construction Management
Website
Students with strong math, art, and manual skills are hard to find, but they make great construction managers. Brigham Young University-Idaho helps these multi-talented students apply their unique combination of skills towards one of the most challenging and rewarding careers around, thanks to its affordable construction management degree program. After developing their technical design and engineering mathematics abilities to a professional level, construction students at BYU-Idaho begin the real work of their career: management specialization. Students can either complete a minor in Business Management or choose between specializations in Heavy Civil Industrial, Residential/Commercial, and Environmental Health and Safety Construction to graduate.
Net Price: $7,968/yr
Score: 79.91
19. Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Website
Louisiana State University’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management offers students far more than a degree – and we mean that literally! In fact, in just 122 credit hours at this top school for construction management, students earn not only a BS in CSM, but also a minor in Business Administration and Technical Sales, an OSHA Construction Safety & Health Certificate, and an American Institute of Constructor (AIC) Associate Constructor Certification. What’s more, LSU is the only four-year college in the country to offer specializations in industrial, highway, commercial, military, and residential construction. It’s no wonder LSU’s program has earned ACCE accreditation – and all while maintaining one of the most affordable price tags on this list.
Net Price: $13,409/yr
Score: 80.61
18. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
B.S. in Construction Management
Website
Construction management is as challenging as it is crucial for developing the domestic infrastructure the nation needs to grow. Through internships and cooperative education programs, professionally licensed faculty, and a range of advanced degree concentrations, Eastern Kentucky University makes it possible for students to start their career in construction management on the right foot. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree, construction management students at EKU also have the opportunity to complement their degree with a minor or certification in Land Surveying or extend their education with a unique B.S./M.S. “3+2” program.
Net Price: $11,561/yr
Score: 81.23
17. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Website
Central Washington University’s ACCE accredited construction management degree program has long been a top choice for aspiring contractors and developers in the Pacific Northwest. Among construction management programs nationally, CWU’s program has been particularly competitive in terms of price and value, early graduate salary and AIC Certification Exam pass rates (both well above the national average), and high-tech departmental facilities. In fact, CWU’s Hogue Technology Building was recently granted a Design Merit Award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for it’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certified, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Net Price: $14,199/yr
Score: 82.11
16. Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
BS Construction Management
Website
Negotiating the resources of builders, designers, contractors, surveyors, and more, construction management is a team sport that relies on group synergy more than the competence of a single individual. Northern Arizona University prepares students for success in this collaborative environment by arranging its construction management curriculum around a multi-year cohort format. In NAU’s Construct for Practice (C4P) Integrated Curriculum, sophomores, juniors, and seniors work in teams, dividing their responsibilities by class year. After navigating through the freshman-level foundational courses, sophomores jump on board as project builders. Along with their ascension to junior-class status comes a promotion to product designer, and then in their senior year they’ll take on their final role as a full-fledged project manager.
Net Price: $12,946/yr
Score: 83.85
15. Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
Construction Management Program
Website
Like many of the best schools for construction engineering, Appalachian State University’s Building Science program emphasizes sustainability, experiential, hands-on learning, and design and engineering to provide students with a broad grasp of the social and material responsibilities that come with leading construction development today. Unlike most other programs, however, ASU’s focus on architectural design, building performance, and systems engineering prepares students for careers and education in architecture as well. ASU construction students are highly competitive intra and extramurally, ranking 4th nationally (as well as earning the title “Rookie of the Year”) in the National Homebuilder’s Association Residential Construction Management Competition.
Net Price: $11,508/yr
Score: 84.06
14. Washington State University
Pullman, WA
BS in Construction Management
Website
With a results-oriented, project-based curriculum, Washington State University’s accredited construction management degree program helps students learn to appreciate the value of their hard work. From laboratory design courses to senior capstone projects and industry internships during summer break, construction management students at WSU are always building their knowledge by, well, building. Plus, WSU’s professionally-experienced faculty come from all sectors of construction (such as residential, commercial, heavy-civil and industrial) and work closely with industry leaders to develop a curriculum that translates directly to the needs of employers around the state and across the country.
Net Price: $16,427/yr
Score: 85.01
13. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
Construction Management (B.S.)
Website
Offered on-campus as well as via online digital learning platforms, Indiana State University’s Construction Management B.S. is one of the top construction management degree programs in the country, and one of the most convenient. Regardless of which delivery format students choose, they’ll receive instruction from the same faculty who designed the program, drawing upon their experiences in diverse fields of construction to inform a relevant, professional curriculum. Plus, distance learners and on-campus students alike both receive the same opportunities for course credit and real-world experience through local internships and cooperative education.
Net Price: $11,525/yr
Score: 85.68
12. Illinois State University
Normal, IL
Construction Management Program
Website
At “Illinois’ first public university,” construction management students can acquire a host of executive skills that will prepare them to be the cost-effective decision-makers that are in high demand in the industry today. Unlike many programs on this list, Illinois State University’s Construction Management Program features an emphatically management-oriented curriculum that prioritizes business and leaderships skills over “design…and craft skills.” With a strong background in law, business, and associated construction computer software, ISU graduates are prepared to join to ranks of supervisors and administrators right out of college.
Net Price: $16,337/yr
Score: 86.08
11. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
B.S. in Construction Management
Website
The art of construction is all about doing more with less. At Northern Kentucky University, students can earn a high-demand degree in a lucrative, growing career field for just over $8,000 a year! This affordable construction management degree provides students with a well-rounded introduction to construction techniques, finance and management principles, and more – but for less than half the price of many major universities and with no compromise in quality. NKU’s continuous ACCE-accreditation is all the evidence you need to prove that this CSM program maintains the highest standards of academic and curricular rigor.
Net Price: $8,298/yr
Score: 86.82
10. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO
Construction Management Bachelor of Science Degree
Website
The University of Central Missouri’s 4-year Construction Management Bachelor of Science Degree is not only among the most affordable schools for construction management, it’s also one of the very best. With ATMA and ACCE accreditations, recognition from the Chartered Institute of Building in the United Kingdom, and a host of prestigious need and merit-based scholarships for construction students, UCM makes it easy to earn a world-class education for not much more than the cost of attending community college. Plus, UCM’s impressive 17:1 student-faculty ratio guarantees that every student will receive plenty of individual attention along their path to becoming successful leaders in the field.
Net Price: $7,715/yr
Score: 87.81
9. Ball State University
Muncie, IN
Major in Construction Management
Website
Future contractors, surveyors, and superintendents looking to get their hands dirty need look no further than Ball State University’s accredited construction management degree program. At Ball State’s centrally located Applied Technology Building, construction management students have full access to high-tech laboratory technology and wired classrooms that make their education highly interactive. Students also have the opportunity to apply their skills in the real world through this program’s two required internships, which can be completed at local construction sites and contracting firms. And at the end of the program, students graduate with all the technical training and professional experience they’ll need – plus a minor in business administration that will help them stand out in job interviews.
Net Price: $12,804/yr
Score: 89.34
8. Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Bachelor of Science in Construction Science & Management
Website
Founded in 1962, Clemson University’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Science & Management is a tried and true gateway to a range of high-ranking careers in the construction industry. Over the years, Clemson has built its construction management program with the input of the ACCE and other local industry leaders and organizations to provide a meaningful education for thousands of students. Clemson’s high construction management school ranking is a product of its holistic and comprehensive construction curriculum, which incorporates building methods, contracting and estimating, project management, business training, and more into a single degree.
Net Price: $16,799/yr
Score: 91.79
7. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Science – Construction Management
Website
If you’re looking for a stable, reliable, and meaningful career path, you should be looking for the definition of construction management. Ferris State University helps students build and rebuild the country with its ACCE accredited construction management degree, is the ultimate preparation for overseeing virtually any and every stage of the construction process. What makes FSU one of our top schools for construction management is its unique concentrations within the CSM program itself. To help them solidify their career trajectory early, FSU students can choose between two vital sectors of construction management: Building Construction Technology (with a Commercial/Industrial Building Emphasis) and Civil Engineering Technology (with a Highway Emphasis).
Net Price: $12,602/yr
Score: 92.17
6. University of Louisiana-Monroe
Monroe, LA
Construction Management, B.S.
Website
With just over 100 students enrolled in its CSM program, the University of Louisiana-Monroe’s Construction Management Program is an intimate educational environment that provides enormous opportunity. In addition to the traditional benefits associated with small programs (manageable class sizes, close faculty guidance, tight knit peer groups, etc.), ULM is also able to distribute large scholarships of more than $10,000 to construction management students every year. Coupled with the program’s 100% job placement rate and top starting salaries for recent graduates, this makes ULM one of the most affordable schools for construction management on our list.
Net Price: $8,287/yr
Score: 93.53
5. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA
Construction Management Program
Website
Boston has more colleges per square foot than probably any other city in the world, but prominent names like Harvard and MIT cast such long shadows that it’s often easy to overlook some of the city’s other shining stars. But if you look closely, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems – like the Wentworth Institute of Technology, which boasts one of the highest graduation rates among all CSM degree programs nationwide. WIT’s construction laboratories eclipse most of the facilities available in other top schools for construction management, with dedicated Job Site, Heavy Industrial Construction, Aggregate Testing and Construction Management Laboratories located right on campus.
Net Price: $32,366/yr
Score: 95.76
4. Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Construction Management, B.S.
Website
At Arizona State University, construction management students have unparalleled opportunities for specialization within their degree program. Between General Building Construction, Heavy Construction, Specialty Construction, and Residential Construction, ASU allows students to choose virtually any sector of the construction industry to focus on while they are still earning their degree. All four tracks are ACCE-accredited, top construction management degree programs that integrate technology, engineering, architecture, and business into a single discipline. Whether you are looking to build skyscrapers, apartment complexes, or public works projects, ASU will put you on the track to success.
Net Price: $12,191/yr
Score: 96.45
3. North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Program
Website
Advanced technology and engineering meets business strategy in North Dakota State University’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Program. But this is not just another interdisciplinary vocational program. With the third-highest construction management degree ranking on our list and accreditation from the ACCE—the most rigorous standard for construction education in the world—NDSU provides students with a globally competitive curriculum. Students in this top degree program benefit from courses that offer the latest in building materials and methods, cutting-edge business practices, and the practical experience necessary to apply these skills to multi-million dollar construction projects around the world.
Net Price: $14,249/yr
Score: 96.51
2. Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT
Construction Management, B.S.
Website
What would the world look like without construction managers? You might not notice a difference on day one, but this would be an incredibly dangerous state of affairs in the long term. Construction management students at Central Connecticut State University learn how to: design buildings for safety and durability using the latest building materials and equipment; operate safe work zones on construction sites; and use sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of our energy supplies and environment. Graduates from this top construction management degree program are highly sought after all over the country because their skills contribute directly to making buildings and keeping us safe.
Net Price: $14,734/yr
Score: 96.75
1. Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN
B.S. in Construction Management
Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato’s motto is “Big Ideas. Real World Thinking” which is exactly what you’ll get from their top construction management degree program. This ACCE-accredited B.S. in Construction Management features a highly advanced curriculum led by world-class faculty. MSU’s industry mentoring program pairs construction management students with leaders in local construction—including contractors, supervisors, and superintendents—to get guidance that will serve them well throughout their education and onward into successful careers. After graduation, many students are able to leverage these relationships into rewarding job opportunities in civil, commercial, residential, and industrial construction.
Net Price: $12,464/yr
Score: 100
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
College Navigator
American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)