At $9,144/yr net price, The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates earn $56,073/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,073/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,144 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,576 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,073/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,073/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,684/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,920/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,055/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,317/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,113/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,532 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,732 | $14,253 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,931 | $18,335 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 | |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,252 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,894 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $17,515 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,823 | $17,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $21,381 |
The Risk Factor
43.0% of students at The University of Texas Permian Basin graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The University of Texas Permian Basin delivers strong financial returns for engineering majors but weak outcomes for most other programs, with a concerning 43% graduation rate that undermines the value proposition for many students.
Petroleum engineering stands out with $87,532 median earnings, capitalizing on the Permian Basin's oil boom that drives the regional economy. Mechanical engineering also pays well at $69,732 with below-average debt of $14,253. These programs align perfectly with local industry demand and justify the investment.
Education majors face a tougher financial picture. Educational administration graduates earn $56,931 but carry $18,335 in debt, creating a longer payback period on modest teacher salaries. The bilingual education program reflects regional needs but offers limited earning potential at $55,512.
The low graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, you could accumulate debt without completing your degree. The 61% retention rate suggests many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
You'll find the best financial fit here if you're pursuing engineering, particularly petroleum engineering, and can handle the academic demands. The $9,144 net price makes this affordable for in-state students. Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside engineering and education, as the limited program variety and concerning completion rates increase your financial risk.
Merit aid opportunities appear limited given that only 36% of students receive financial aid. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-demand program while taking advantage of the low in-state tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas Permian Basin worth the cost?
UTPB offers solid value with a low net price of $9,144 and graduates earning $56,073 after 10 years. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Texas Permian Basin?
Petroleum engineering graduates earn $87,532 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI at UTPB. Mechanical engineering ($69,732) and computer science ($56,415) also provide decent returns on the relatively low tuition costs.
How much student debt do The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates have?
UTPB graduates carry a median debt of $17,750, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The debt-to-income ratio works out reasonably well for engineering and tech majors, but education majors may struggle more with loan payments.
Does The University of Texas Permian Basin have good job placement?
UTPB's location in the Permian Basin oil region creates strong local job opportunities, especially for petroleum and mechanical engineering graduates. The high acceptance rate (95%) and low graduation rate suggest the school admits students who may not be academically prepared for success.