Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Texas Tech vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and business programs typically delivering higher earnings than liberal arts and social sciences. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and understand the financial implications of program choice.
Analyzing 61 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Texas Tech.
#4 nationally
$67K 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, national rank, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Texas Tech University.
Engineering programs at Texas Tech deliver among the strongest career outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning $91,795 and Mechanical Engineering producing $81,351. Information Science graduates earn $77,185, while Civil Engineering reaches $80,974.
These programs rank well nationally, with most placing in the top 100 nationally and strong state rankings. Engineering students should expect excellent long-term earning potential with manageable debt loads relative to income.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | #4 | $106,480 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and career outcomes rather than academic reputation or research quality. Different programs at the same institution produce varying earnings because of labor market demand, industry pay scales, and career trajectory differences. Engineering and business programs typically command higher starting salaries than liberal arts or social sciences, reflecting employer demand and industry compensation standards. These outcomes are based on federal College Scorecard data tracking graduates' earnings six to ten years after leaving school. Cohort size indicates program popularity and provides confidence in reported outcomes—larger cohorts offer more reliable earnings data. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific field, helping students understand how Texas Tech's program performance compares to similar programs at other institutions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 50 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #65 | $96,395 | — | 47 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #32 | $92,466 | — | 98 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #81 | $91,795 | — | 119 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #16 | $91,341 | — | 76 |
| Construction Engineering. | #3 | $88,553 | — | 30 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #130 | $87,675 | — | 75 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #101 | $81,351 | $25,654 | 357 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #53 | $80,974 | $43,500 | 114 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #25 | $77,185 | $24,130 | 126 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #8 | $76,708 | — | 25 |
Business programs span a wide earnings range, from Banking and Financial Support Services at $83,160 to general Business Administration at $66,219. Digital Marketing graduates earn $64,758, while Accounting produces $76,067.
Several programs rank in the top 50 nationally, with particularly strong state rankings. These programs combine solid enrollment numbers with competitive career outcomes, making them well-suited for students seeking professional advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #27 | $83,160★ | $20,666 | 204 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | #7 | $83,158 | — | 16 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #25 | $76,067 | $20,639 | 231 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #106 | $66,219 | $37,442 | 342 |
| Digital Marketing. | #56 | $64,758 | $31,330 | 238 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #11 | $55,633 | $28,413 | 73 |
| Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations. | #6 | $50,192 | — | 29 |
Health graduates earn 52K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | #9 | $52,376 | — | 30 |
Biology graduates earn $43,555, reflecting typical pre-professional program outcomes. Life sciences programs at Texas Tech often serve as preparation for graduate or professional study, with earnings representing immediate workforce entry rather than long-term career potential.
These programs are well-suited for students planning advanced degrees in health sciences or research fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #41 | $59,443★ | — | 41 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #30 | $59,067 | — | 41 |
| Acoustics. | #41 | $57,435 | — | 31 |
| Immunology. | #4 | $57,100 | — | 78 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #181 | $53,440 | $42,184 | 103 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #37 | $51,550 | — | 35 |
| Biology, General. | #239 | $43,555 | $21,439 | 163 |
Psychology graduates earn $42,334 with moderate value scores, representing typical outcomes for social science fields. American Government and Politics produces $53,731 earnings with national ranking recognition.
These programs serve students interested in human services, policy work, or graduate school preparation, with earnings reflecting their focus on social impact careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #190 | $55,622★ | $35,420 | 98 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #153 | $53,731 | $42,058 | 109 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #105 | $47,659 | — | 75 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #159 | $44,302 | — | 20 |
| Psychology, General. | #219 | $42,334 | $24,491 | 251 |
| Anthropology, General. | #120 | $31,748 | — | 25 |
Advertising ranks #20 nationally and #3 in Texas, with graduates earning $51,556 and representing one of Texas Tech's flagship programs. The program demonstrates strong value performance with manageable debt levels.
Communications programs at Texas Tech typically prepare students for creative and marketing careers with moderate earning potential and solid regional recognition.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #22 | $51,556★ | $28,718 | 262 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #155 | $49,580 | $34,388 | 77 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #90 | $42,248 | — | 21 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #44 | $40,553 | $35,020 | 99 |
Creative Writing stands out as #8 nationally and #1 in Texas, with graduates earning $49,468 and an exceptional value score of 83.3. General Studies graduates earn $45,913 with solid value performance.
These programs offer pathways for students prioritizing intellectual development and creative expression, with earnings reflecting typical liberal arts outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #99 | $49,562★ | — | 82 |
| Creative Writing. | #9 | $49,468 | $23,767 | 157 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #75 | $49,332 | — | 52 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #83 | $46,691 | — | 33 |
| Brass Instruments. | #20 | $46,387 | $17,496 | 63 |
| General Studies. | #67 | $45,913 | $24,529 | 237 |
| Acting. | #30 | $39,572 | — | 23 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #108 | $39,183 | — | 39 |
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | #120 | $36,134 | — | 13 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding ranks #17 nationally and #2 in Texas, with graduates earning $45,763. The program reflects Texas Tech's agricultural heritage and regional strengths.
These programs serve students interested in agricultural sciences and environmental management, with strong regional career prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #4 | $71,893★ | — | 94 |
| Agricultural Communication/Journalism. | #4 | $52,409 | — | 41 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #18 | $45,763 | — | 131 |
| Agriculture, General.Small sample | #27 | $42,800 | — | 16 |
| Environmental Science. | #111 | $40,847 | — | 56 |
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #21 nationally with graduates earning $50,770 and strong value performance. Exercise Science produces $48,596 earnings with solid national ranking.
These programs offer flexibility for students with diverse interests or specific career goals requiring interdisciplinary preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Technology and Society. | #5 | $78,574★ | — | 48 |
| Consumer Economics. | #2 | $67,444 | — | 59 |
| Architectural Design. | #21 | $54,109 | $16,910 | 113 |
| Landscape Architecture. | #12 | $53,917 | — | 31 |
| Interior Architecture. | #4 | $53,906 | — | 29 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #23 | $50,770 | $18,546 | 351 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #66 | $48,596 | $25,750 | 349 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #13 | $45,788 | $25,883 | 209 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | #3 | $43,909 | $23,746 | 232 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #52 | $33,504 | — | 22 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | #37 | $23,843 | — | 46 |
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.
