Top 10 Programs in Construction Management in 2027
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The Best Overall program in Construction Management is the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida, a powerhouse whose strong job placement and deep industry partnerships routinely top national rankings for both undergraduate and graduate tracks. The Best Value pick is Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, a tuition-friendly program that delivers professional certifications like the Associate Constructor (AC) exam readiness and hands-on field experience through its Construction Management Student Association, all at a cost far below many private peers. This list is built for students and career-changers weighing where to enroll across the United States, with a focus on employment outcomes, accreditation, and return on investment. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), and individual university sources.
How We Ranked the Top Programs
We weighted each program against the priorities that construction firms, industry associations, and student surveys tell us matter most, drawing on published figures from ACCE, CMAA, U.S. News, Niche, and College Scorecard. The weighting:
- Job placement and salary outcomes — 30%
- Accreditation and curriculum rigor — 25%
- Industry partnerships and internships — 20%
- Faculty expertise and resources — 15%
- Cost and return on investment — 10%
A program that posts high starting salaries but lacks ACCE accreditation, or boasts a famous name but graduates few students with real field experience, drops fast. The winners balance all five.
1. University of Florida — M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students seeking a top-ranked, ACCE-accredited program with unmatched industry connections
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management enrolls a large body of undergraduate and graduate students, making it one of the largest and most respected programs in the country. Rinker offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with specializations in Building Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Sustainable Construction, all fully accredited by ACCE. The program boasts a strong job placement rate, with many graduates securing positions within months of completion, and competitive starting salaries according to university-reported data. Students benefit from a dedicated Career Fair featuring numerous firms annually, including Turner Construction, Hensel Phelps, and Whiting-Turner. The school's Rinker Construction Management Student Association runs national competitions, and its faculty includes industry veterans with decades of field experience. Graduates routinely land roles as project engineers, estimators, and site superintendents at top contractors. The program also offers a Master of Science in Construction Management for advanced study.
2. Brigham Young University (BYU) — Construction and Facilities Management 🏆 BEST VALUE
Type: Private University (LDS-affiliated) | Tuition: Varies by membership status; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students wanting a low-cost, ACCE-accredited program with strong professional certification support
Located in Provo, Utah, BYU's Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering houses the Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) program, which enrolls a substantial number of students across its Bachelor of Science track. The program is ACCE-accredited and emphasizes hands-on learning through its Construction Management Lab, where students build small-scale structures and practice scheduling, cost estimating, and safety management. BYU boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with many students securing internships at firms like Big-D Construction, Layton Construction, and Okland Construction. The program's Construction Management Student Association prepares students for the Associate Constructor (AC) exam, and many graduates earn this certification before graduation. The low tuition, combined with strong outcomes, makes BYU the Best Value pick — graduates often leave with minimal debt while entering a high-demand field.
3. Texas A&M University — Department of Construction Science
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students targeting the booming Texas construction market with a focus on commercial and heavy civil projects
Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M's Department of Construction Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Residential Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a large student body, making it one of the largest in the nation. Texas A&M boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates heavily recruited by top Texas firms like Zachry Group, Sundt Construction, and Hensel Phelps. The program's Construction Science Advisory Council includes industry leaders who provide mentorship and internship opportunities. Students also participate in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) National Competition, where Texas A&M teams regularly place. The school's strong ties to the Texas Department of Transportation make it a top pick for students interested in infrastructure and highway construction.
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Book a Call4. Virginia Tech — Myers-Lawson School of Construction
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students seeking a research-intensive program with a focus on building information modeling (BIM) and sustainability
Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Myers-Lawson School of Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management as well as a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a significant number of students. Virginia Tech is known for its strong BIM curriculum, with students gaining proficiency in Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and Procore software. The program boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates recruited by firms like Clark Construction, Whiting-Turner, and Gilbane Building Company. The school's Construction Industry Advisory Council provides real-world project input, and students participate in the ASC National Competition and the BIM Competition. Virginia Tech's focus on sustainable construction and green building practices prepares graduates for leadership in the growing LEED-certified market.
5. Purdue University — School of Construction Management Technology
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students wanting a technology-focused program with strong internship pipelines to major contractors
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University's School of Construction Management Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Residential Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a substantial number of students. Purdue boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates hired by firms like Turner Construction, Kiewit Corporation, and Mortenson Construction. The program's Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program allows students to alternate semesters of classroom learning and paid work experience, often leading to full-time offers before graduation. Purdue's Construction Management Student Organization hosts industry speakers and site visits, and the school's BIM lab provides hands-on training with industry-standard software.
6. Auburn University — McWhorter School of Building Science
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students seeking a Southern construction network with a focus on commercial and residential building
Located in Auburn, Alabama, the McWhorter School of Building Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Science with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Residential Construction, and Construction Management. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a large number of students. Auburn boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates heavily recruited by Southeastern firms like Brasfield & Gorrie, Hogan Construction Group, and Robins & Morton. The program's Building Science Advisory Council includes industry leaders who provide mentorship and internship opportunities. Auburn's Residential Construction concentration is particularly strong, preparing students for careers in homebuilding and remodeling. The school's ASC National Competition teams consistently rank in the top tier.
7. Clemson University — Department of Construction Science and Management
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students wanting a comprehensive program with a focus on project management and safety
Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the Department of Construction Science and Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Residential Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a significant number of students. Clemson boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates recruited by firms like Skanska, Balfour Beatty, and DPR Construction. The program's Construction Science and Management Advisory Board provides industry guidance, and students participate in the ASC National Competition and the Safety Competition. Clemson's focus on construction safety and OSHA certification prepares graduates for safety management roles in the field.
8. University of Washington — Department of Construction Management
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students targeting the Pacific Northwest construction market with a focus on sustainable building
Located in Seattle, Washington, the Department of Construction Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Sustainable Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a substantial number of students. The University of Washington boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates recruited by firms like Sellen Construction, Hoffman Construction, and Turner Construction. The program's Pacific Northwest location provides access to a booming construction market driven by tech industry growth and infrastructure projects. Students gain hands-on experience through internships with local firms and participate in the ASC National Competition. The school's Sustainable Construction concentration aligns with the region's emphasis on green building and LEED certification.
9. Colorado State University — Department of Construction Management
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students seeking a mountain region program with a focus on heavy civil and residential construction
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Department of Construction Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with concentrations in Commercial Construction, Heavy Civil Construction, and Residential Construction. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a large number of students. Colorado State University boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates recruited by firms like Mortenson Construction, Kiewit Corporation, and PCL Construction. The program's Heavy Civil concentration is particularly strong, preparing students for careers in highway, bridge, and dam construction. Students gain hands-on experience through the Construction Management Laboratory and participate in the ASC National Competition. The school's Colorado location provides access to a growing construction market driven by population growth and infrastructure investment.
10. University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction
Type: Public University | Tuition: Varies by residency; consult university for current rates | Best for: Students wanting a unique dual-degree program combining construction management with architectural engineering
Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. The program is ACCE-accredited and enrolls a significant number of students. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln boasts a strong job placement rate and competitive starting salaries, with graduates recruited by firms like Kiewit Corporation, Turner Construction, and HDR. The program's dual-degree option allows students to earn both a construction management degree and an architectural engineering degree in five years, preparing them for leadership roles in integrated project delivery. The school's Construction Management Student Association hosts industry events and site visits, and the program's strong ties to Kiewit provide internship and job opportunities for graduates.
FAQ
What is the best program in Construction Management? The M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida is the best overall, with top placement rates, strong industry partnerships, and ACCE accreditation.
What is the most affordable Construction Management program? Brigham Young University (BYU) offers the best value, with tuition rates that are typically lower than many private peers and strong outcomes in job placement and certification.
Do I need ACCE accreditation for a Construction Management degree? Yes, ACCE accreditation is critical for most employers and for eligibility for the Associate Constructor (AC) exam, so prioritize programs with this certification.
What jobs can I get with a Construction Management degree? Graduates typically work as project engineers, estimators, site superintendents, safety managers, or project managers at general contractors, specialty subcontractors, or owner firms.
How much do Construction Management graduates earn? Starting salaries vary widely by region and employer, but the field generally offers competitive compensation, with experienced professionals earning significantly more over time.
What skills are most important for Construction Management students? Key skills include project scheduling, cost estimating, building information modeling (BIM), safety management, and communication — all emphasized in top programs.
Sources
- American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) — official accreditation list
- Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) — industry standards
- U.S. News & World Report — college rankings and program data
- Niche — student reviews and outcome metrics
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) — cost and employment data
- Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) — competition and curriculum resources
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) — residential construction insights
- Procore and Autodesk — industry software standards
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