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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial return with real upside if you pick the right major. Your debt at graduation stays low, around $19,500, which is well below what a single year's median earnings can cover. That keeps the downside contained even if your degree doesn't land you in a top-paying field.
The gap between majors here is wide. Computer science pays roughly $75,700 ten years out, and public administration and nursing both clear $65,000. Nursing is the strongest bet given its low debt load of about $18,750 paired with strong pay. Mechanical engineering and plant sciences trail behind, with plant sciences graduates earning under $49,000, barely above the school-wide median. If you're drawn to agriculture or engineering, know that your paycheck may look closer to the median than to the CS and nursing numbers.
The main risk is completion. Fewer than half of students finish, and only about two-thirds return after the first year. If you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings that justify it. That risk hits harder than the price tag itself.
The net price barely moves across income brackets. Families earning under $30,000 pay only about $6,000 less than families earning over $110,000. Lower-income families get modest relief here, so if you're coming from a tight budget, this school won't discount as steeply as some others.
This is a solid financial fit if you're set on nursing, computer science, or public administration and confident you'll graduate. If you're undecided, drawn to lower-paying fields like plant sciences, or shaky on finishing, weigh the completion odds carefully before you borrow.
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.