At $13,220/yr net price, Texas A&M University-San Antonio graduates earn $54,338/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,338/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,220 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,338/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,338/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,401 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,412/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,600/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,295/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,063/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,436/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.4% of students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio 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-San Antonio delivers weak financial returns that reflect deeper institutional problems. With median 10-year earnings of $54,338 and a graduation rate of just 29%, this campus struggles to help students complete degrees and launch careers.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk here. Seven out of ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 63% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students recognize quickly. Even those who do graduate face below-average earnings for the San Antonio market, where major employers like USAA, Rackspace, and the military offer higher-paying opportunities.
Business and healthcare programs typically offer the strongest job prospects in San Antonio's economy, but this campus lacks the reputation and industry connections of the main College Station campus. Engineering and computer science graduates will likely see better returns, though the small program sizes limit networking opportunities.
The $13,220 net price appears reasonable, but the true cost becomes problematic when factored against the graduation odds. Students who transfer to complete degrees elsewhere face additional expenses and lost time. The median debt of $18,401 stays manageable for graduates but becomes burdensome for the majority who don't finish.
This campus works financially for students who need local access to higher education and plan to transfer to stronger programs after completing core requirements. Students seeking four-year degrees should consider UT San Antonio, which offers better graduation rates and stronger employer recognition in the same city. The financial aid rate of 51% suggests decent support for qualifying students, but aid cannot overcome the fundamental completion problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University-San Antonio worth the cost compared to other universities?
With a net price of $13,220 and 10-year earnings of $54,338, Texas A&M University-San Antonio offers a reasonable return on investment for the cost. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.
What is the job market outlook for Texas A&M University-San Antonio graduates?
Graduates earn around $54,338 ten years after enrollment, which is decent for the San Antonio market. The challenge is actually graduating, since less than 30% of students complete their degree programs.
How much student debt do Texas A&M University-San Antonio graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $18,401, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. This debt level is reasonable compared to earnings potential for those who complete their degrees.
What are the biggest risks of attending Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
The primary risk is the extremely low 29% graduation rate, meaning most students leave without a degree but may still accumulate debt. The 96% acceptance rate suggests limited academic selectivity, which can impact program quality and graduate outcomes.