Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce benefit from exceptional affordability, with net prices well below typical public university levels across all income brackets.
The university combines strong educational access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students with financial outcomes that support sustainable career transitions.
Texas A&M University-Commerce ranks among public four-year institutions with a balanced profile that emphasizes accessibility and affordability over premium earnings outcomes. Located in Commerce, Texas, this medium-sized public university serves a diverse student body where 40.5% of students receive Pell Grants and 42% are first-generation college students, reflecting its strong commitment to educational access.
The university delivers solid long-term value through manageable costs rather than exceptional earnings. Graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the national average for earnings outcomes. However, students benefit from notably low net prices—just $8,709 annually for low-income families and $11,193 for middle-income households—making it one of the more affordable options among Texas public universities.
As part of the Texas A&M University System, Commerce combines the resources of a comprehensive university with the personal attention of a medium-sized institution. The university's strength lies in providing educational opportunity and economic mobility for students who might not otherwise access higher education, particularly through programs in interdisciplinary studies, education, business, and health sciences that prepare graduates for stable regional careers.
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a program mix that reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving diverse student populations. The university's largest economic contributor is Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, which graduates 607 students annually with median earnings of $39,305, demonstrating the institution's role in providing flexible degree pathways for working adults and career-changers. General Studies serves as another popular option with 133 graduates earning around $31,205, offering broad-based education for students exploring various career directions.
The highest-earning programs cluster in healthcare fields, with Adult Health Nursing leading at $64,196 in median earnings ten years out. This reflects strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the university's success in preparing students for these in-demand careers. However, some specialized programs like Forensic Social Work show more modest earnings at $25,967, illustrating the variation in outcomes across different fields of study.
Commerce's program portfolio emphasizes accessibility and practical career preparation rather than premium earnings potential. The university's strength lies in providing educational pathways for students who might not otherwise access higher education, with programs designed to serve the economic and workforce needs of East Texas and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Texas A&M University-Commerce graduates achieve solid but moderate long-term earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $50,296, placing the university around the national average for public institutions. The university does provide some earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $3,942 more than similar students at comparable institutions, though this advantage is modest compared to top-performing schools.
Program choice significantly influences earnings potential at Commerce. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest-earning field, with graduates earning around $64,196 ten years out, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Texas. The university's largest program by total economic impact is Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, which graduates 607 students annually with median earnings of $39,305. General Studies, another popular pathway, produces 133 graduates earning around $31,205, while some specialized programs like Forensic Social Work show lower earnings at approximately $25,967.
The university's program mix reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional institution, with substantial enrollment in flexible degree programs that serve working adults and career-changers. While earnings outcomes are moderate compared to flagship universities, graduates benefit from the stability and growth potential of careers in education, business, healthcare, and public service throughout East Texas and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Texas A&M University-Commerce stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $8,709 annually in net price, well below the national average and among the most affordable options in Texas. Middle-income families see annual costs of $11,193, while even high-income families pay a reasonable $20,442, making the university accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with $20,500 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,104, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing at sustainable levels. The combination of low sticker prices, substantial financial aid, and reasonable borrowing creates a debt structure that most graduates can handle comfortably.
What makes Commerce particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between its affordable pricing and realistic earnings expectations. With median earnings around $50,296 ten years out, graduates can typically manage their debt obligations under standard repayment terms without significant financial stress. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that students are successfully transitioning into careers that support their educational investments, even if those careers don't reach premium salary levels.
Texas A & M University-Commerce Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
