Students at Texas Tech University achieve strong long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations, particularly impressive given the university's broad accessibility to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
The combination of solid career preparation and industry connections helps graduates reach earnings levels that place the university among the top performers nationally for financial outcomes.
Azimuth ranks Texas Tech University among the top performers nationally for overall value, reflecting its strong balance of earnings outcomes and educational access. Located in Lubbock, this large public research university serves over 40,000 students while maintaining a clear focus on career-oriented programs that translate into meaningful long-term financial returns. Texas Tech graduates earn a median of $62,454 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution well above average nationally for earnings outcomes.
What distinguishes Texas Tech is its ability to deliver strong financial returns across a diverse student body. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly one-third are first-generation college students, yet the university consistently produces graduates who outperform earnings expectations. The institution's strength in engineering, particularly petroleum and mechanical engineering, drives much of this success, with these programs regularly placing graduates into high-demand, well-compensated roles in Texas's robust energy and technology sectors.
As a major research university with comprehensive program offerings, Texas Tech combines the resources and opportunities of a flagship institution with practical, career-focused education. The university's location in West Texas provides access to major energy companies and growing technology firms, while its large alumni network creates meaningful connections across multiple industries throughout the state and beyond.
Texas Tech University's program portfolio reflects its strength in engineering and technical fields, with particularly impressive outcomes in energy-related disciplines. Mechanical Engineering stands out as both large-scale and high-return, graduating 357 students annually with median earnings of $69,596. This program represents the university's sweet spot—substantial enrollment combined with excellent career outcomes that benefit from Texas's robust manufacturing and energy sectors.
Petroleum Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $83,325, though with smaller cohorts of about 50 graduates per year. This specialized program capitalizes on Texas's position as a major energy producer, consistently placing graduates into well-compensated roles in oil and gas companies. The program's selectivity and industry focus create exceptional earning potential for students who can access it.
Beyond engineering, Texas Tech offers diverse pathways with varying returns. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the university's largest program with 351 graduates, provides flexibility for students pursuing diverse career paths with earnings around $42,868. Even programs like Biology, while showing more moderate early earnings at $28,133, often serve as preparation for graduate school or professional programs that enhance long-term prospects. The university's comprehensive offerings ensure students across different interests can find viable pathways to career success.
Texas Tech University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $62,454, with the university ranking well above average nationally for earnings performance. Graduates consistently earn slightly more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in preparing students for well-paying careers, particularly in Texas's robust job market.
The strongest returns come from Texas Tech's engineering programs, which represent a significant portion of the university's academic focus. Mechanical Engineering, the university's highest aggregate-return program, graduates 357 students annually with median earnings of $69,596. Petroleum Engineering delivers even higher individual earnings at $83,325, though with smaller cohorts of about 50 graduates per year. These engineering programs benefit from strong industry connections and high demand in Texas's energy sector, consistently placing graduates into roles with substantial earning potential.
Beyond engineering, Texas Tech offers solid returns across multiple fields. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the university's largest program with 351 graduates, provides more moderate but still competitive earnings around $42,868. Even programs like Biology, while showing lower early earnings at $28,133, often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or professional programs that enhance long-term earning potential. The university's comprehensive program mix ensures students across different interests can find pathways to financial success.
Texas Tech University offers predictable and manageable pricing across income levels, though costs run somewhat higher than the most affordable public options. Low-income students pay about $13,922 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $18,376 per year. Higher-income families pay approximately $24,903, reflecting a transparent pricing structure that scales appropriately with family resources.
Debt levels at Texas Tech remain within reasonable bounds for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,598, indicating that many families choose to contribute directly to their student's education costs. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes Texas Tech's pricing sustainable is the strong return on investment graduates achieve. With median earnings of $62,454 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The university's loan repayment data shows that borrowers consistently pay down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance across multiple years of tracking, indicating that the education investment pays off reliably for most students.
Texas Tech University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
