According to a recent report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollments fell by 272,000 students (1.9 percent) in the spring semester 2017 as compared to the spring semester 2016.

The decline was led by a 14.6 percent drop in the number of students enrolled in engineering-related majors at four-year institutions (though it is still a top major). However, the number of undergraduates studying construction trades increased by 26.4 percent.

Construction trades include carpentry, management and more. Those who earn an undergraduate degree in construction management are prepared to manage each part of the construction process with courses in architecture, business and engineering.

In contrast, two-year institutions saw a 7.5 percent decrease in enrollment in construction trades.

According to the American Council for Construction Education, as of the 2015-16 school year, there are 73 Bachelor's, 13 Associate's, and 5 Master's degree programs in construction trades, with 12 more pending accreditation.