At $12,637/yr net price, Texas A&M University-Texarkana graduates earn $45,515/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,515/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,637 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,515/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,515/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,953 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,919/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,334/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,213/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,899/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,831/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,012 | $22,165 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $46,478 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $37,568 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $18,197 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $33,162 | $19,504 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $17,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $20,221 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $20,520 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $19,453 |
The Risk Factor
31.2% of students at Texas A&M University-Texarkana 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-Texarkana delivers poor financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median earnings of $45,515 ten years after graduation and a troubling 31% graduation rate, this campus struggles to launch students into well-paying careers in the East Texas job market.
Business Administration stands out as the only financially viable path here, generating $62,012 in median earnings that justify the $22,165 in debt. Education programs like Curriculum and Instruction pay poorly at $37,568 despite requiring similar debt levels, reflecting the region's limited opportunities for educators seeking higher salaries.
The graduation rate creates enormous financial risk. With seven out of ten students failing to complete their degree, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without the credential to justify it. The 60% retention rate signals early academic struggles that compound this problem.
Liberal Arts graduates earn just $33,993 annually while carrying $18,197 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies performs even worse, offering minimal earnings potential in a region with limited diverse employment opportunities.
This campus works financially for local students pursuing Business Administration who can live at home and minimize costs beyond the $12,637 net price. Students from outside the region or those interested in other majors should seriously consider alternatives with stronger job placement records and higher graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches just over half of students, suggesting limited institutional support for making education affordable. Your best strategy involves choosing Business Administration, maintaining strong academic performance to avoid the dropout trap, and leveraging any available state aid for Texas residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University-Texarkana worth the cost?
With a low net price of $12,637 annually and 10-year earnings of $45,515, the ROI is reasonable but not exceptional. The 31% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the value proposition for many students.
What are the best paying majors at Texas A&M University-Texarkana?
Business Administration offers the strongest ROI with median earnings of $62,012, while Educational Administration pays $46,478. Liberal arts and general studies programs show much lower returns at around $34,000.
How much debt do Texas A&M University-Texarkana graduates have?
The median debt is $18,953, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the job market like for Texas A&M University-Texarkana graduates?
Graduates earn $45,515 on average after 10 years, which is modest for a four-year degree. The business program shows better earning potential, but overall job prospects reflect the regional economy rather than strong alumni networks.