Top 10 Community Colleges With Construction Programs 2025

If you're planning a career in construction, you may know that earning a degree in the field can help you pursue high-level management or design positions. With this in mind, you may be wondering about community colleges that offer construction management and related associate degrees.

Keep reading as we explore these types of programs in more detail. We'll look at some top schools offering construction programs and answer various questions you may be wondering about.

Do Community Colleges Offer Construction Programs?

Yes, there are many community colleges with construction programs throughout the U.S. Since construction is a skilled trade, associate degrees and certificates in the field are often found at community and vocational schools.

Learners in these programs complete courses in math, engineering, building materials, leadership, project management, and more. Coursework may be available online at some schools, though most programs require hands-on components like residencies, practicums, or internships.

What Type of Construction Training Can I Get at a Community College?

Community colleges typically offer Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in construction. AS degrees are often designed for transfer to four-year schools, while AAS degrees prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Common majors for construction students include:

• Construction Technology: These programs place a strong emphasis on the technical side of construction, preparing students for careers in design, building, or inspection.
• Construction Management: Construction management degrees at community colleges prepare students for college transfer or entry-level leadership roles. Graduates of these programs can become foremen and construction managers.
• Construction Project Management: This is another type of management program. It specifically prepares students to manage smaller projects within large construction operations.

10 Best Community Colleges for Construction Management Programs

If you're ready to begin your career in construction, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some of the top community college construction programs in the nation, including some with online offerings.

1. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is a large public school system with more than 40 campuses throughout Indiana. It offers AAS and AS degrees in building construction management as well as an AAS in building construction technology.

The AS management program offers both online and accelerated options, allowing students to choose the best study plan for their needs. All programs require at least 60 credit hours and can be completed through various campus locations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $178.38 to $348.97 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is a school in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Located in Selden, NY, it offers an AAS in construction technology, architectural technology in a hybrid format.

The program features both live online and asynchronous classes, providing a solid blend of flexibility and structure. The program consists of 62 credit hours and typically takes about two years to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per semester
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Kaskaskia College

Kaskaskia College is a community college located in Centralia, IL. Learners at this school can earn an AAS in construction project management.

The program offers various class formats for ultimate flexibility, including live online, asynchronous, and hybrid courses. Students gain hands-on skills in handling construction projects from start to finish in this highly practical degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $166 to $425 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia is a public school system with various campuses in the Philadelphia, PA, metro area. It offers an AAS in construction management consisting of 63 credit hours.

The on-campus program takes about two years to complete and is ideal for any student interested in leadership or management positions in construction. The program offers various convenient transfer opportunities for students planning to continue their studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $159 to $477 per credit hour
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College is a public school located in Yuma, AZ. It offers an occupational AAS degree in construction trades management.

The program prepares learners for entry-level positions in various construction trades. It can also help those with construction experience pursue management roles within their companies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $100 to $150 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College is located in Overland Park, KS. It is a public community college offering an AAS degree in construction management technology.

Students complete 63 credit hours as part of this program, and all coursework is completed on campus. Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to take various industry certifications and pursue careers in a range of construction settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $101 to $237 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Edmonds College

Edmonds College is a public school in Lynnwood, WA. It offers both an AAS transfer and an Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) in construction management.

These programs range from 100 to 116 quarter credit hours and take about 18 to 24 months to complete. Students can begin taking courses during any quarter and can choose between full-time and part-time programs for added flexibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,810 to $10,875 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College is located in Olympia, WA. It offers AAS degrees in architecture, engineering, and construction technology with both transfer and non-transfer options.

These programs are designed to help students meet their goals through workforce placement support, hands-on learning opportunities, and seamless transfer options. Both programs can be completed in about two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,935 to $5,520 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

9. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College is a public school with various locations throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs, NE, region. Students at this school can pursue an AAS in construction and building science, emphasizing construction management.

This in-person program is available at the Fort Omaha campus and requires 96 quarter credit hours to complete. Students typically graduate within two years of continuous study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $71 to $106 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College is a for-profit school offering highly flexible, primarily online degree programs. One of these is an associate degree in construction technology.

Students in this program complete all coursework at their own pace, giving them maximum flexibility. Numerous resources are available to help students stay on track and graduate within a timeframe that works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,349 per semester
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select only the best schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the construction programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Affordability: All of the schools feature affordable tuition and/or financial aid options to help students cover costs.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for providing high-quality academic programs for both online and on-campus learners.

FAQs About Construction Management Community College Programs

If you still have questions about taking construction classes at community colleges, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some common questions.

How Much Does a Construction Degree Cost at a Community College?

Tuition rates can vary from school to school and may depend on factors such as residency and type of school. Among the schools in this article, tuition rates range from $71 to $477 per credit hour or $1,349 to $3,535 per semester.

What Degree Is Best for Construction Management?

If you're planning a career in construction management, then majoring in construction management will provide the most direct path. Many employers require prospective managers to hold a bachelor's degree in the field, though an associate degree and relevant experience may also be acceptable.

Is It Worth Going To College for Construction Management?

Though it is technically possible to work as a construction manager without a degree, the vast majority of employers require candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in construction management. Therefore, going to college for construction management is definitely worth it, as it can make you a more desirable job candidate, improve your earning potential, and make it easier for you to find jobs you qualify for.

How Fast Can I Get a Construction Management Degree?

It typically takes about two to four years to earn a degree in construction management: associate degrees take about two years, while bachelor's degrees require about four years. If you study part-time, it may take you longer to graduate; on the other hand, you can speed up your studies by taking heavy course loads, transferring credits, or enrolling in an accelerated program.

How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Construction From a Community College?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction managers earn an average of $106,980 per year. However, the BLS also notes that the majority of construction managers hold a bachelor's degree. There is no data to indicate the earnings of associate-educated managers compared to those with bachelor's degrees; however, it is likely that those with a bachelor's degree earn higher salaries than those with associate degrees alone.

Discover More Construction Degrees

If you're ready to begin your career in construction, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges today for more information on their programs and to choose the best option for you.