Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.7%
- Retention Rate
- 58.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,865
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
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 | $104,454 | $45,500 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,422 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $16,327 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,748 | $25,625 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $26,675 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,269 | $22,867 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $19,750 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $45,696 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,500 | $30,581 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $43,967 | $22,250 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 | $52,416 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,565 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $51,865 ten years after leaving campus, putting them in a solid financial position. With typical debt of $23,000, students face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, well below concerning levels. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 5.6% of median income, a reasonable burden. The 95% employment rate reflects strong job market demand, particularly for marine science and coastal engineering graduates who find opportunities in Texas's thriving energy and environmental sectors. Many Islanders land roles with oil companies, environmental consulting firms, and government agencies along the Gulf Coast. This represents a strong return on investment for an accessible public university.