At $15,137/yr net price, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi graduates earn $51,865/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,865/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,137 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,865/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,865/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,936/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,543/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,374/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,660/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,683/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi delivers weak overall returns despite its affordable $15,137 annual cost. The school's 34% graduation rate creates significant financial risk, meaning two-thirds of students leave without a degree while still carrying debt.
Nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually in specialized roles and $62,000 in general nursing positions. The higher debt load for specialized nursing ($45,500) pays off given the strong salary outcomes. Accounting graduates also see solid returns at $64,493 annually, while business management majors earn $57,318 with relatively low debt of $16,327.
The school's coastal Texas location limits job market opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas, which explains the modest $51,865 median earnings across all graduates. The 58% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or find better options elsewhere after their first year.
You should consider this school if you're pursuing nursing or business programs and want to minimize education costs while staying in South Texas. The low net price makes it financially accessible for students who complete their degrees. However, look elsewhere if you're considering other majors or need a more supportive academic environment. The graduation and retention rates suggest many students struggle to finish their programs successfully.
Financial aid reaches only 40% of students, which is lower than typical public universities. Focus on completing your degree quickly to avoid the debt-without-degree trap that affects the majority of students here. The school works best for motivated students who can handle its challenges independently while pursuing its strongest career programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi worth the cost?
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers mixed value with a relatively affordable net price of $15,137 but concerning outcomes including a 34% graduation rate and $51,865 median earnings after 10 years. The school works best for nursing students who can earn over $100,000, but other programs struggle to justify even the modest cost.
What are the best paying majors at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi?
Nursing programs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi lead earnings at $104,454 and $62,422 depending on specialization, followed by bioethics at $78,971. Business and accounting graduates earn $57,318 and $64,493 respectively, which barely exceeds the overall median of $51,865.
How much debt do Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi graduates typically have?
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates challenging debt-to-income ratios for most other programs. With only 34% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Does Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have a good graduation rate?
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a poor 34% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students never finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition despite its affordable tuition.