At $11,268/yr net price, Texas A & M University-Commerce graduates earn $50,296/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,296/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,268 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,296/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,296/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,709/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,290/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,193/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,954/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,442/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $54,433 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $70,456 | $31,920 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $69,732 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,688 | $31,018 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,196 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,801 | $30,809 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $22,062 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,726 | $22,372 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,107 | $27,346 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Texas A & M University-Commerce 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
Texas A&M University-Commerce delivers strong financial value for a regional public university, with a net price under $12,000 annually making it accessible even if your family doesn't qualify for substantial aid. The median debt of $20,500 sits well below national averages, while graduates earn $50,296 within ten years of leaving school.
Your major choice matters significantly here. Business programs consistently outperform, with finance majors earning $70,456 annually against reasonable debt loads of $31,920. Educational administration graduates command the highest salaries at $71,015, though they carry substantial debt of $54,433. Industrial production technology offers solid earnings of $69,732 with minimal debt risk. Nursing provides stable middle-tier returns at $64,196.
The primary financial risk lies in the 45.9% graduation rate and 63% retention rate, both below regional averages. If you transfer or drop out, you lose the investment without gaining the credential that drives earnings. This makes Texas A&M-Commerce best suited for students who enter with clear academic focus and strong study habits.
You should consider this school if you want affordable business or education credentials with regional employer recognition in East Texas. The combination of low costs and decent graduate outcomes works especially well for first-generation college students or career changers seeking practical degrees. Skip this option if you need extensive academic support services or prefer urban job markets, as the rural location limits internship and networking opportunities that could boost your early career earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University-Commerce worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,268 and 10-year earnings of $50,296, Texas A&M University-Commerce offers decent value for an affordable education. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying majors at Texas A&M University-Commerce?
Educational administration ($71,015), finance ($70,456), and industrial production technology ($69,732) offer the strongest earning potential at Texas A&M University-Commerce. These programs provide salaries well above the school's overall graduate average of $50,296.
How much debt do Texas A&M University-Commerce graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $20,500, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. With starting salaries around $50,000 for graduates, most can handle this debt level without major financial strain.
Does Texas A&M University-Commerce have a good graduation rate?
No, only 46% of students graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce within six years. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider seriously before enrolling.