Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Texas State University vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science graduates earning $92,305 while English Literature graduates earn $40,931. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and assess program-specific value at Texas State.
Analyzing 65 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Texas State University.
#78 nationally
$49K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Texas State University.
This group delivers the strongest earnings outcomes at Texas State, with Computer Science ranking #1 in Texas and Construction Engineering Technology ranking #2 statewide. Computer Science graduates earn $92,305 while maintaining reasonable debt at $20,219, and Construction Engineering Technology produces $86,836 earnings with excellent value scores.
These programs stand out for combining technical rigor with immediate labor market relevance, making them ideal for students prioritizing high earning potential and career stability in growing technology sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #78 |
Program outcomes vary significantly even within the same institution due to labor market demand, required skills, and career trajectory differences. Computer Science graduates at Texas State earn $92,305 while English graduates earn $40,931—both from the same university with similar academic preparation requirements. These rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not program quality or academic rigor. Rankings compare institutions nationally within the same program rather than across different majors. Cohort sizes indicate confidence levels, with larger programs providing more reliable outcome estimates. Students should consider their career goals, interests, and strengths rather than focusing solely on earnings when choosing academic programs, as satisfaction and success depend on individual fit as much as labor market outcomes.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $92,305★ |
| $20,219 |
| 232 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #77 | $89,597 | $29,515 | 87 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | #8 | $86,836 | $24,930 | 134 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #47 | $81,475 | — | 36 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | #6 | $74,756 | — | 37 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #143 | $70,772 | $16,297 | 84 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | #12 | $64,513 | — | 53 |
Business programs at Texas State show consistent mid-to-high earning potential across specializations. Digital Marketing ranks #3 in Texas with graduates earning $59,736, while Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earn $65,858 and rank #7 statewide.
Business Administration graduates earn $57,305, representing solid outcomes for the university's second-largest program by enrollment. These programs offer reliable career preparation with moderate debt levels, best suited for students seeking versatile professional skills and stable employment prospects across diverse industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #62 | $65,858★ | $22,006 | 288 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #30 | $65,481 | — | 42 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #126 | $64,297 | $29,752 | 176 |
| Digital Marketing. | #66 | $59,736 | $25,616 | 353 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #137 | $57,305 | $23,514 | 420 |
| Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations. | #3 | $48,908 | $36,372 | 88 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. leads health with 66K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #255 | $66,444★ | $29,275 | 102 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #12 | $65,513 | $15,349 | 83 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #28 | $61,428 | — | 42 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #47 | $59,873 | — | 18 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #19 | $54,831 | $18,612 | 86 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #109 | $37,605 | — | 29 |
Biology represents the primary science offering with 178 graduates earning $46,634, though this ranks lower nationally at #214. The program maintains reasonable debt levels at $24,434 but shows moderate value scores relative to other fields at the university.
Science programs at Texas State appear oriented toward students planning graduate school continuation rather than immediate high earnings, making them appropriate for students prioritizing advanced study preparation over immediate career entry salary expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #44 | $70,396★ | — | 18 |
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #26 | $65,973 | — | 43 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #69 | $49,636 | — | 28 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #203 | $49,264 | — | 32 |
| Biology, General. | #215 | $46,634 | $24,434 | 178 |
| Immunology. | #27 | $45,793 | $25,865 | 72 |
| Acoustics.Small sample | #82 | $38,289 | — | 15 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #8 | $35,783 | $30,152 | 55 |
American Government and Politics (United States). leads social sciences & policy with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #140 | $48,966★ | $22,645 | 133 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #22 | $48,307 | $13,845 | 65 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #20 | $48,152 | — | 39 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #68 | $44,094 | $15,190 | 111 |
| Psychology, General. | #150 | $42,730 | $21,938 | 475 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #164 | $42,281 | $21,867 | 87 |
| Applied Economics. | #220 | $36,674 | — | 41 |
| Anthropology, General. | #67 | $35,316 | $24,180 | 92 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #80 | $20,547 | — | 23 |
Communications programs show exceptional performance in specialized areas, with Advertising ranking #2 in Texas and #18 nationally. Advertising graduates earn $50,780 with strong value scores of 76.7 and moderate debt.
Digital Communication graduates earn $42,286 but rank highly at #2 statewide. These programs excel in creative communication fields, best suited for students seeking careers in marketing, media production, and creative communication industries where portfolio and experience matter significantly.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #19 | $50,780★ | $20,761 | 315 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #76 | $48,857 | — | 170 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #20 | $42,286 | $25,936 | 193 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #85 | $35,078 | — | 41 |
Humanities programs demonstrate surprising strength in specialized creative fields. Commercial Photography ranks #2 in Texas and #16 nationally with graduates earning $54,246, while General Studies ranks #5 statewide with $52,889 earnings.
English Language and Literature graduates earn $40,931 with strong state ranking at #8. These programs excel in preparing students for creative industries and diverse career paths, best suited for students who value intellectual development and creative expression alongside practical career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #16 | $54,246★ | $23,635 | 126 |
| General Studies. | #35 | $52,889 | $22,790 | 164 |
| Ballet. | #1 🏆 | $49,264 | $26,405 | 49 |
| American History (United States). | #65 | $45,815 | $14,250 | 102 |
| Brass Instruments. | #24 | $45,336 | $32,874 | 74 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #82 | $44,227 | $14,725 | 52 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #111 | $40,931 | $21,522 | 171 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #51 | $38,157 | — | 23 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #73 | $36,701 | — | 26 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #86 | $35,494 | $15,760 | 99 |
| Acting. | #8 | $34,279 | $23,589 | 143 |
Agriculture & Environment graduates earn 46K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | #4 | $56,642★ | — | 24 |
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #40 | $50,978 | — | 33 |
| Environmental Science. | #67 | $46,020 | $20,195 | 77 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #39 | $40,091 | $23,425 | 50 |
| Bioenergy.Small sample | #18 | $36,848 | — | 13 |
Corrections Administration graduates 304 students annually earning $46,095 with moderate debt levels at $21,159. The program ranks #9 in Texas, showing solid state-level performance in preparing students for law enforcement, corrections, and security careers.
This field suits students committed to public service and criminal justice careers, though earnings potential remains moderate compared to business and technology fields offered at the university.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #93 | $46,095 | $21,159 | 304 |
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies represents Texas State's largest program with 544 graduates earning $49,187 and ranking #14 in Texas. The program offers flexibility for students with diverse interests or those seeking broad liberal arts preparation.
With moderate debt levels and solid value scores, this path suits students who prefer customized academic programs or those planning careers requiring diverse skill sets rather than specialized technical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #32 | $52,099★ | $29,533 | 475 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. | #12 | $50,917 | — | 22 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #40 | $49,187 | $25,096 | 544 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #9 | $47,206 | $19,580 | 87 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #8 | $45,833 | $28,176 | 76 |
| Consumer Economics.Small sample | #12 | $44,434 | — | 18 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #37 | $41,400 | $26,858 | 50 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #39 | $40,898 | $23,770 | 109 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
