Students at West Texas A&M University benefit from earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $3,385 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university combines this earnings advantage with strong affordability and proven success in helping first-generation and low-income students achieve meaningful economic mobility.
West Texas A&M University delivers consistent value for students across a wide range of backgrounds, though it doesn't rank among the very top institutions nationally for overall outcomes. Located in Canyon, Texas, this medium-sized public university serves a diverse student body where nearly 40% receive Pell Grants and about 39% are first-generation college students. The university's strength lies in its role as a "Mobility Engine" — providing broad access while helping students achieve meaningful economic progress.
Graduates earn a median of $50,741 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the national average for earnings outcomes. What sets West Texas A&M apart is its ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $3,385 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage, combined with relatively affordable net prices, creates solid value for families seeking reliable returns on their educational investment.
The university's program mix spans nursing, general studies, engineering, and health sciences, with particular strength in professional fields that lead directly to stable careers. As a regional public university in Texas, West Texas A&M provides the accessibility and support systems that help students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically and financially.
West Texas A&M University's program portfolio balances professional preparation with broad accessibility, creating pathways to stable careers across multiple fields. The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, with Adult Health Nursing graduating 132 students annually at median earnings of $65,089, making it both the largest high-return program and a key economic driver for the institution.
Engineering programs provide another pathway to strong earnings, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning about $58,402 early in their careers. These technical programs serve smaller cohorts but deliver consistent value for students seeking specialized skills in high-demand fields. General Studies represents the university's largest program with 202 graduates, offering more moderate earnings around $36,282 but providing flexibility for students exploring various career paths.
The university also maintains programs in health sciences and allied health fields, which tend toward more modest initial earnings but serve important workforce needs in the region. This diverse program mix allows students to choose between higher-earning specialized fields and more accessible general programs, all while benefiting from the university's consistent ability to help graduates achieve earnings beyond typical expectations for their backgrounds.
West Texas A&M University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $50,741 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university around the national average for earnings, graduates consistently earn about $3,385 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what might be expected. This earnings advantage reflects the institution's focus on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for stable employment.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing and engineering programs. Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 132 students annually, leads with median earnings of $65,089 and represents the highest aggregate return program. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn about $58,402 early in their careers, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the region. General Studies, the university's largest program with 202 graduates, provides more moderate earnings around $36,282 but offers broad career flexibility. The university also maintains programs in health sciences, though these tend toward lower initial earnings around $27,500.
This program mix creates a balanced portfolio where students can choose between higher-earning technical fields and more accessible general programs, all while benefiting from the university's consistent ability to help graduates exceed typical earnings expectations for their backgrounds and preparation levels.
West Texas A&M University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families with varying financial circumstances. Low-income students pay about $17,085 annually in net price, which is competitive for a public university, while middle-income families see costs around $20,915 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $23,378 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for the full degree.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $19,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $12,631. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. Most borrowers are able to make steady progress on loan repayment, with the university's graduates showing stronger-than-average performance in paying down balances over the first several years after graduation.
The combination of moderate net prices and solid post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students. With median earnings near $50,741 ten years out, graduates can typically handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain, while the university's consistent earnings advantage helps ensure that the investment pays off over time.
West Texas A & M University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
