At $10,204/yr net price, Texas A & M University-Kingsville graduates earn $51,450/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,450/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,204 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,450/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,450/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,934 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,028/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,470/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,410/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,502/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,903/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $69,338 | $37,949 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,079 | $26,138 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $65,238 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $21,678 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,526 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,286 | $36,554 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,717 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $51,273 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $31,000 |
The Risk Factor
45.6% of students at Texas A & M University-Kingsville 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-Kingsville gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major, and a weak one if you don't. The engineering programs anchor the value here. Electrical engineering graduates out-earn the school's median by roughly $17,000, and mechanical engineering isn't far behind while carrying the lowest debt of any top program listed. These are the degrees that make the math work, especially given how much oil, gas, and infrastructure work runs through South Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Outside engineering, the picture gets shakier. Finance graduates land below the school's overall median earnings, and music graduates pair similar pay with the highest debt of any listed program at $31,000. If you're borrowing that much for music, you're taking on the school's biggest financial risk relative to what the degree pays.
The broader risk is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and a third don't return after their first year. If you drop out with debt and no degree, none of the earnings numbers apply to you. That retention gap is the single biggest threat to your return here.
The net price stays low if your family earns under $48,000, and it barely moves between the bottom two income tiers. If your family earns over $110,000, you'll pay more than double what the lowest-income families pay, which weakens the value for higher earners.
This school pays off for you if you commit to an engineering degree and finish it. If you're coming for a lower-earning major, borrowing heavily, or unsure you'll stay enrolled, look harder at whether the numbers work for your specific plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University-Kingsville worth the cost?
Texas A&M-Kingsville offers decent value with a low net price of $10,204 and moderate debt levels around $22,934. The 10-year earnings of $51,450 provide a reasonable return, though the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
Which programs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have the best ROI?
Engineering programs at Texas A&M-Kingsville deliver strong returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $68,079 and mechanical engineering graduates earning $62,012. Communication disorders sciences graduates earn the highest at $69,338, making these programs worth the investment.
What is the job market like for Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduates?
Texas A&M-Kingsville graduates earn $51,450 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for four-year college graduates. The school's location in South Texas limits some job opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas.
How much student debt do Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduates typically have?
Texas A&M-Kingsville graduates leave with a median debt of $22,934, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. However, the below-average graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degrees.