Students at Texas A&M University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning significantly more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
The university delivers top-tier financial outcomes across income levels, placing it among the most effective public universities for career success.
Azimuth ranks Texas A&M University-College Station 22nd out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 5.4% for overall value. What distinguishes Texas A&M is its exceptional ability to deliver outstanding long-term financial outcomes while maintaining the scale and resources of a major flagship university. With median 10-year earnings of $72,097 and graduates earning about $6,494 more than similar students at other institutions, Texas A&M consistently ranks in the top 10% nationally for return on investment.
The university's strength lies in its comprehensive program portfolio, particularly in engineering, business, and agriculture, combined with one of the most powerful alumni networks in the country. Nearly 20% of students receive Pell Grants and about 30% are first-generation college students, though access is more limited than at typical public universities due to competitive admissions standards.
As the flagship of the Texas A&M System, the university delivers the academic breadth and research opportunities students expect from a top-tier public institution, while consistently producing graduates who outperform earnings expectations across virtually every major field of study.
Texas A&M University's program portfolio reflects its heritage as both a comprehensive research university and a leader in practical, career-focused education. The university's strength spans multiple high-return fields, with Petroleum Engineering leading in individual earnings at $92,124, capitalizing on Texas A&M's deep connections to the energy industry and the state's oil and gas sector. Engineering programs broadly deliver exceptional outcomes, supported by extensive industry partnerships and one of the most active alumni networks in the profession.
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies emerges as the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment of 1,153 graduates with solid mid-career earnings of $44,482. This program serves students pursuing diverse career paths and often provides flexibility for those combining majors or preparing for graduate school. Biology, with 718 graduates, represents the university's largest single major and serves as a critical pipeline for medical school and graduate programs, though early earnings of $23,649 reflect the field's emphasis on advanced degree preparation rather than immediate career entry.
The university's comprehensive scale allows it to excel across multiple disciplines while maintaining particularly strong performance in engineering, business, agriculture, and the sciences. Texas A&M graduates substantial cohorts annually across these fields, creating meaningful industry presence and dense alumni networks that continue to benefit graduates throughout their careers. This combination of program breadth, industry connections, and network strength helps explain why Texas A&M graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations across virtually every field of study.
Texas A&M University graduates achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the very best public universities nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $72,097, with the university ranking in the top 8% nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive, Texas A&M graduates earn about $6,494 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the substantial value the university adds beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics alone.
The university's program mix drives much of this strong performance. Petroleum Engineering stands out with graduates earning $92,124 early in their careers, reflecting Texas A&M's deep connections to the energy sector. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the largest program by total economic impact with 1,153 graduates, produces solid mid-career earnings of $44,482 while serving as a pathway for students pursuing diverse career goals. Biology, the university's largest single major with 718 graduates, shows more modest early earnings at $23,649 but provides essential preparation for medical school and graduate programs that drive long-term earning potential.
Texas A&M's engineering programs, business school, and agricultural sciences create a powerful foundation for career success, supported by extensive industry partnerships and one of the most active alumni networks in higher education. The university's location in Texas, where cost of living remains moderate compared to coastal markets, means graduates' strong earnings provide substantial purchasing power in both local and national job markets.
Affordability at Texas A&M University varies significantly by family income, with the university providing strong value for low-income students while requiring higher contributions from middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay about $12,273 annually after aid, which is competitive with other flagship universities and reflects the institution's commitment to access despite its selective admissions. Middle-income families face annual costs around $18,685, while high-income families pay approximately $29,548, positioning Texas A&M in the middle range among major public research universities.
The university's aid structure emphasizes merit and need-based grants that help reduce sticker price impact, though families should expect meaningful out-of-pocket contributions that reflect Texas A&M's premium positioning among public institutions. What makes these costs more manageable is the university's track record of strong graduate outcomes, with median earnings of $72,097 providing graduates substantial capacity to handle educational investments. The combination of competitive net prices for low-income students and exceptional long-term earning potential creates a value proposition that works well for families who can manage moderate upfront costs in exchange for superior career outcomes.
Texas A & M University-College Station Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
