Real Estate Development.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Real Estate Development. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 23.8%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Real Estate Development. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $71535 and average student debt of $17000, the financial outlook for Real Estate Development. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Real Estate Development.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $71535, and with an average student debt of $17000, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.24—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 549 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Real Estate Development. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Real Estate Development (CIP 04.1001) is a multi-disciplinary field that focuses on the entire lifecycle of the built environment, from the initial idea and land acquisition to construction and final sale or management. Unlike a general business or architecture degree, Real Estate Development combines finance, urban planning, law, and construction management into a single "entrepreneurial" track.
This degree is ideal for students who are visionary, high-stakes problem solvers. It is a path for individuals who want to physically change the landscape of a city, creating the housing, offices, and retail spaces where people live and work.
What Is a Real Estate Development Degree?
A Real Estate Development degree teaches students how to turn a piece of dirt or a dilapidated building into a profitable and functional project. It is often described as "conducting an orchestra"—the developer doesn't necessarily lay the bricks or draw the blueprints themselves, but they must understand every part of the process to lead the architects, contractors, and investors. Programs focus heavily on risk assessment and feasibility, ensuring that a project is not only beautiful but also financially viable.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train professionals to navigate complex zoning laws and government regulations
- Teach the "Capital Stack" (how to fund projects through debt and equity)
- Develop specialists in sustainable and "Transit-Oriented" development
- Prepare leaders to manage the logistical hurdles of large-scale construction
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to evaluate the "highest and best use" for a property, balancing profit with the needs of the community.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Perform Financial Modeling using Excel to predict a project’s Return on Investment (ROI)
- Read and interpret legal documents, including titles, deeds, and zoning codes
- Conduct "Market Analysis" to see what kind of buildings a neighborhood actually needs
- Manage the "Request for Proposal" (RFP) process to hire architects and builders
- Negotiate with city officials and community groups for project approval
- Understand the basics of sustainable building materials and energy systems
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a mix of finance, law, and urban design:
- Real Estate Finance: Learning how to borrow millions of dollars and manage interest rates.
- Land Use Law: The rules governing what can be built and where.
- Urban Planning & Design: How buildings affect the flow and feel of a city.
- Construction Management: Learning the timelines and costs of actual building work.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Working with the government to build public assets.
- Ethics in Development: Navigating issues like gentrification and affordable housing.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates often work for large development firms, though many eventually start their own businesses.
Common job roles include:
- Assistant Project Manager: Handling the day-to-day logistics of a construction site.
- Real Estate Analyst: Crunching the numbers to see if a potential project is worth the risk.
- Leasing Manager: Finding the right tenants to fill a newly finished building.
- Entitlement Specialist: Getting the legal "green light" from the city to begin building.
- Asset Manager: Overseeing a portfolio of buildings to ensure they stay profitable.
- Site Acquisition Manager: Finding and buying the land for future projects.
Where Can You Work?
Real estate developers are needed in every growing urban or suburban area:
- Private Development Firms: Companies that build skyscrapers, malls, or housing tracts.
- Government Agencies: Working for city planning or housing departments.
- Investment Banks: Managing the massive funds that pay for new construction.
- Corporate Real Estate Units: Managing the physical offices for companies like Google or Walmart.
- Non-Profit Developers: Building affordable housing or community centers.
How Much Can You Earn?
This field is known for having a high "ceiling," meaning the potential for high earnings is significant, especially for those who manage their own projects.
- Real Estate Analysts: Median annual salary of approximately $75,000–$95,000.
- Project Managers: Median annual salary of around $90,000–$120,000.
- Real Estate Development Directors: Salaries often exceed $160,000 plus performance bonuses.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the multitasking and risk management. You must be comfortable with "high-stakes math" (finance) while also being a strong social communicator. One mistake in a financial spreadsheet or a missed meeting with a city council can cost millions of dollars. It requires a high level of confidence and the ability to handle significant stress when a project hits a delay.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Look at an empty lot and imagine what could be built there
- Enjoy business and finance but want a career that results in a physical product
- Are a "natural leader" who can coordinate many different types of people
- Like negotiating and aren't afraid of complex legal or political rules
- Want to be an entrepreneur or "the boss" of your own projects
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Economics, Statistics, Government, and Art/Architecture
- Practice your Excel skills—it is the primary tool of the industry
- Join a debate or speech team to practice your negotiation and presentation skills
- Pay attention to local news about "New Developments" or "Zoning Changes" in your town
- If possible, work a summer job in construction or in a real estate office
The ability to spot a financial opportunity and lead a team to build a physical reality is the hallmark of a successful developer.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor