Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,348/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,348/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,268 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $154,192 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $127,062 | $136,167 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,936 | $50,275 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,518 | $62,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $67,324 | $29,116 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,603 | $12,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $62,343 | $13,625 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $18,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,995 | $37,499 |
Analysis
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $92,348 and strongly low debt levels at $12,268. This health-focused institution produces graduates who earn well above national averages while carrying minimal financial burden.
Your program choice drives everything here. Nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success, with advanced nursing graduates earning $154,192 annually. Even entry-level nursing graduates reach nearly $99,000, though they carry $50,275 in debt. Pharmacy graduates command $127,062 but face the steepest debt load at $136,167, creating a longer payback period despite high salaries.
Communication disorders and rehabilitation therapy graduates earn in the mid-70s range, which provides solid middle-class incomes in Texas but may not justify graduate school debt loads if you borrow heavily. These programs work best if you can minimize borrowing or have strong job placement connections in the region.
The school's biggest financial advantage is its low borrowing rates. Only 14% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford attendance without significant debt. This creates a massive competitive advantage over private health science programs that saddle graduates with six-figure loans.
You should consider this school if you want healthcare training without crushing debt, especially for nursing or pharmacy. The Texas job market for healthcare workers remains strong, particularly in underserved areas where loan forgiveness programs can eliminate remaining debt. Skip this option if you need substantial financial aid packages, as the school appears to offer limited need-based assistance compared to other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center worth the cost?
Yes, with median debt of only $12,268 and average earnings of $92,348 after 10 years, the return on investment is strong. The low debt load makes this one of the more affordable health science programs in Texas.
What are the highest paying programs at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center?
Pharmacy programs lead with average earnings of $127,062, while advanced nursing specializations can reach $154,192. Basic nursing programs still provide solid returns at $98,936 annually.
How much student debt do Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center graduates have?
The median debt is $12,268, which is unusually low for health science programs. This low debt burden significantly improves the financial outlook for graduates compared to other medical schools.
Do all Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center programs have good job prospects?
Healthcare programs generally have strong job security, but earnings vary widely by specialty. Communication disorders and rehabilitation therapy programs earn around $75,000, which is respectable but lower than pharmacy or advanced nursing tracks.