Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at The University of Texas at El Paso vary significantly by field of study. 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 align program choice with your career goals.
Analyzing 43 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at UTEP.
#66 nationally
$57K 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 The University Of Texas At El Paso.
Engineering programs at UTEP deliver the strongest earnings outcomes, with Electrical Engineering graduates earning $88,692 and Mechanical Engineering earning $83,398. These programs rank nationally competitive, with Mechanical Engineering placing #53 nationally and #4 in Texas.
Engineering programs show excellent value scores above 67, indicating strong return on investment despite moderate debt levels. This group is best suited for students who prioritize high earnings potential and are prepared for rigorous technical coursework.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #66 |
Program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes rather than academic reputation or prestige, explaining why programs at the same institution show different national rankings. Data comes from the federal College Scorecard, which tracks graduate earnings and debt levels two to four years after graduation for cohorts with sufficient sample sizes. Rankings compare median earnings within specific program categories across more than 2,000 four-year institutions. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess return on educational investment. Students should interpret these outcomes as indicators of typical career trajectories rather than guarantees of individual results. Graduate school continuation rates and local economic conditions may influence earnings patterns, particularly for programs where many graduates pursue advanced degrees or enter public service careers with different compensation structures.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $88,692★ |
| — |
| 105 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #57 | $83,398 | — | 198 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #117 | $78,299 | — | 120 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #119 | $69,228 | — | 85 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #67 | $62,454 | — | 69 |
| Metallurgical Engineering. | #3 | $57,318 | — | 38 |
Business programs show varied outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services earning $46,343 compared to Business Administration's $39,914. Accounting Technology delivers $49,940 with moderate value scores around 20.
These programs serve students seeking business careers with different earning potentials depending on specialization. Students should select business concentrations based on specific career goals and earnings expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #49 | $51,573★ | — | 26 |
| Information Resources Management. | #69 | $50,548 | — | 34 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #219 | $49,940 | — | 135 |
| Digital Marketing. | #164 | $48,227 | — | 96 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #176 | $46,343 | — | 143 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #323 | $39,914 | — | 151 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | #72 | $33,232 | — | 11 |
| International Business.Small sample | #76 | $15,202 | — | 14 |
Adult Health Nursing stands out as UTEP's largest program with 347 graduates earning $71,055 annually. Ranking #87 nationally and #8 in Texas, nursing delivers strong earnings with manageable debt of $11,754.
The program achieves a value score of 68.6, indicating excellent return on investment. This field is well-suited for students seeking stable healthcare careers with strong regional employment demand and meaningful earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #101 | $71,055★ | $11,754 | 347 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #70 | $50,758 | — | 20 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #100 | $35,691 | — | 46 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #35 | $28,195 | — | 46 |
Biology General enrolls 268 students earning $42,562 with manageable debt of $8,493, creating a solid 62.2 value score. The program ranks #140 nationally and #7 in Texas, indicating competitive regional performance.
This field serves students planning graduate school continuation or entry-level science careers, with earnings that reflect the broad career pathways available to biology graduates.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #189 | $52,326★ | — | 39 |
| Immunology. | #30 | $47,183 | — | 20 |
| Biology, General. | #141 | $42,562 | $8,493 | 268 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #78 | $38,747 | — | 52 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #108 | $28,598 | — | 19 |
Applied/Public Sociology. leads social sciences & policy with 41K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #200 | $41,380★ | — | 29 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #264 | $38,690 | — | 47 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #180 | $38,397 | — | 36 |
| Psychology, General. | #286 | $36,584 | — | 204 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #170 | $19,045 | — | 14 |
Digital Marketing earns $48,227 for 96 graduates with a 25.7 value score, while Advertising produces $40,270 earnings for 85 students. Both programs rank competitively within Texas, indicating regional career opportunities.
These fields serve students interested in creative and marketing careers, with earnings that support professional lifestyles while offering diverse industry applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #52 | $40,270★ | — | 85 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #51 | $37,225 | — | 62 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other.Small sample | #277 | $23,766 | — | 13 |
Brass Instruments. leads humanities & arts with 48K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Instruments. | #31 | $47,846★ | — | 21 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #144 | $42,603 | — | 45 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #117 | $41,963 | — | 17 |
| American History (United States). | #208 | $40,216 | — | 41 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #178 | $28,989 | — | 74 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #89 | $24,035 | — | 27 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General. | #13 | $21,508 | — | 21 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 31K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #147 | $31,207 | — | 23 |
Corrections Administration serves 283 students with median earnings of $43,145, ranking #95 nationally and #10 in Texas. The program achieves a 50.8 value score, reflecting moderate return on investment.
This field typically serves students interested in law enforcement and criminal justice careers, with earnings that support middle-class lifestyles while providing public service opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #97 | $43,145★ | — | 283 |
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science. | #20 | $31,305 | — | 36 |
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies Other ranks exceptionally at #26 nationally and #11 in Texas, graduating 197 students with $46,850 median earnings. The program achieves an impressive 70.6 value score with low debt of $9,859, creating excellent return on investment.
This flexible program serves students seeking broad academic preparation with strong career adaptability and manageable financial investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #27 | $46,850★ | $9,859 | 197 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #95 | $44,116 | — | 169 |
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.