At $14,041/yr net price, Prairie View A & M University graduates earn $45,411/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,411/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,041 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,411/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,411/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,605/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,487/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,552/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,779/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,032/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,049 | $37,430 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,891 | $22,958 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $29,606 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,757 | $28,812 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $27,392 |
| Architecture. | Master | $55,286 | $23,801 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,109 | $41,478 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $53,984 | $27,418 |
The Risk Factor
43.2% of students at Prairie View A & M University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Prairie View A&M gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on what you study. The median graduate earns about $45,000 ten years out, which is modest against $27,000 in typical debt. But that median hides a wide gap between programs, and picking the right one changes your outcome completely.
Nursing and engineering are where this school pays off. A nursing degree here clears $72,000 with the lowest debt of any top program, around $23,000. Electrical, chemical, mechanical, and computer engineering all land near $70,000. These fields carry real demand across the Houston-area energy, healthcare, and industrial job market you'll graduate into. Chemical engineering leaves you with the heaviest debt of the group at nearly $30,000, but the salary supports it.
The risk is that the school-wide median sits so far below these flagship programs. If you enroll in a major outside nursing or engineering, expect earnings closer to that $45,000 figure, and the $27,000 debt starts to bite. The 43% six-year graduation rate is the bigger financial danger: debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and more than half of students don't finish in six years. A 74% first-year retention rate means one in four freshmen leave before sophomore year.
On price, the tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $10,000 a year. That jumps sharply above $48,000, reaching roughly $23,000 for families over $110,000, close to full sticker.
This school is a strong fit if you're committed to nursing or engineering and come from a lower-income household. If you're undecided on major, higher-income, or unsure you'll finish, the combination of a below-median payoff and a low graduation rate makes the debt harder to justify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prairie View A&M University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Prairie View A&M's $14,041 annual net price is relatively affordable, but graduates earn just $45,411 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky for some.
What are the best paying majors at Prairie View A&M University?
Nursing programs at Prairie View A&M lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $72,000-$90,000. Engineering majors (chemical, electrical, mechanical) also perform well with starting salaries near $70,000.
How much debt do Prairie View A&M University students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Prairie View A&M is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with post-graduation earnings of $45,411, debt payments could strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Prairie View A&M University have a good return on investment?
Prairie View A&M's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing and engineering students see solid returns, but the overall low graduation rate and modest average earnings make it a mixed investment for other programs.