At $20,841/yr net price, West Texas A & M University graduates earn $50,741/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,741/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,841 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,741/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,741/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,085/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,997/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,915/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,058/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,378/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,706 | |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,089 | $18,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $19,625 |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $44,542 | $25,661 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $44,384 | $13,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $15,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $17,789 |
The Risk Factor
47.3% of students at West Texas A & M University 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
West Texas A&M University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $50,741 ten years after graduation against a net price exceeding $20,000 annually. The 47% graduation rate means more than half of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-risk investment.
Computer Science stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning $75,706 annually. Public Administration and Nursing also generate solid returns above $65,000, with nursing graduates carrying relatively low debt at $18,750. Mechanical Engineering provides decent outcomes at $58,402, though with slightly higher debt loads. Plant Sciences, despite the regional agricultural economy, pays poorly at $48,432.
The biggest risk here is the graduation rate. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, you face significant odds of dropping out with debt but no degree. The 67% retention rate suggests many students realize early that this school may not be the right fit.
West Texas A&M makes financial sense if you can get into Computer Science, Nursing, or Public Administration and feel confident about completing your degree. The school works best for students from the Panhandle region who want to stay local and can handle the academic demands without extensive support services.
Skip this school if you need a high-touch environment or are considering majors outside the few strong programs. With only 39% of students receiving aid, financial assistance appears limited. Look elsewhere if you need significant academic support or are unsure about your major, as the low graduation rates suggest this environment is unforgiving for undecided or struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Texas A & M University worth the cost?
West Texas A & M University offers reasonable value with a net price of $20,841 and graduates earning $50,741 after 10 years. However, the 47% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying majors at West Texas A & M University?
Computer Science graduates from West Texas A & M earn $75,706 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Public Administration ($69,338) and Nursing ($65,089) also provide strong returns, while Plant Sciences graduates earn below the school average at $48,432.
How much debt do West Texas A & M University graduates have?
West Texas A & M graduates leave with a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable given the average starting salary of $50,741. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most programs, though students in lower-paying majors may struggle more.
What is the graduation rate at West Texas A & M University?
Only 47% of students graduate from West Texas A & M University, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider when evaluating the school's value.