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 offers a low-cost degree with a modest payoff, and the main financial risk is finishing at all. Your median debt at graduation sits under $19,000, well below the earnings you can expect a decade out, so the loan math works in your favor if you complete the degree. The problem is the 29% graduation rate paired with a 63% retention rate. Roughly a third of students don't return after the first year, and if you borrow and leave without a credential, you carry debt with none of the earning power that justifies it.
The earnings picture is middle-of-the-road. Around $54,000 ten years out is a solid result for the San Antonio job market, especially against a net price that stays modest across most income levels. This is a commuter-friendly, regional school, and the return reflects that: dependable local employment, not high-flying salaries.
The net price tiers are unusually flat at the bottom. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly the same $11,400 to $11,600, so lower-income families get real price protection here. Above $75,000, the price climbs toward $20,000, and the return you get is the same regardless of what you paid, so higher-income families see a weaker deal per dollar.
This school fits you if you're staying in the San Antonio area, need to keep costs down, and are confident you'll finish. Given the retention numbers, that confidence matters more here than the price. If you're likely to transfer, unsure about completing, or expecting a degree to move you into a high-salary field, look harder at schools with stronger graduation rates before you commit.
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.