At $20,071/yr net price, Texas Tech University graduates earn $62,454/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,454/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,071 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,454/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,454/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,922/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,173/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,376/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,239/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,903/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. | Doctoral | $89,305 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $83,915 | |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $83,325 | $24,850 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,706 | $32,703 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,017 | $24,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,562 | $19,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,530 | $26,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,596 | $25,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,232 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,139 | $24,446 |
The Risk Factor
67.5% of students at Texas Tech University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Texas Tech University offers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings exceeding $62,000 ten years after graduation against a reasonable net price of $20,071 per year. The university's strong engineering programs drive much of this value proposition.
Engineering majors see the best returns at Texas Tech. Petroleum engineering graduates earn over $83,000 annually with manageable debt loads around $24,850. Electrical and computer engineering also deliver strong outcomes, with electrical engineers earning nearly $84,000. Business administration pays well at $75,706 but comes with higher debt at $32,703, making the return weaker relative to other top programs.
Your biggest financial risk at Texas Tech is the 67.5% graduation rate. One in three students don't finish, meaning they face debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying careers. The 85% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after their first year.
Texas Tech works best financially if you can stick with engineering or business programs and avoid dropping out. Students interested in liberal arts or education should carefully consider whether the debt load makes sense given lower earning potential in those fields.
Only about 26% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit aid opportunities exist but aren't complete enough to dramatically reduce costs for most students. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-paying major and taking advantage of Texas's relatively affordable in-state tuition structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Tech University worth the cost compared to other state schools?
Texas Tech offers decent value with a net price of $20,071 and graduates earning $62,454 after 10 years. The return on investment is reasonable for a state university, though not exceptional compared to top engineering schools in Texas.
What are the highest paying majors at Texas Tech University?
Engineering programs at Texas Tech deliver strong returns, with petroleum engineering graduates earning $83,325 and electrical engineering graduates earning $83,915. Business and computer engineering also pay well, while education research tops the list at $89,305.
How much student debt do Texas Tech University graduates typically have?
Texas Tech graduates leave with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the average starting salaries in engineering and business programs. This debt level is reasonable for most graduates who complete their degrees.
Does Texas Tech University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 67.5% graduation rate and solid earnings in technical fields, Texas Tech produces employable graduates, particularly in engineering. However, the relatively low graduation rate means about one-third of students don't finish their degrees.