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 42 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at UTEP.
#10 nationally
$48K 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | #10 |
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
| $103,286★ |
| — |
| 165 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | #27 | $94,122 | — | 66 |
| Metallurgical Engineering. | — | $89,131 | — | 22 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #21 | $88,393 | — | 199 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #9 | $82,391 | — | 61 |
| Civil Engineering. | #30 | $75,882 | — | 73 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services.Small sample | #9 | $62,136★ | — | 13 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | #21 | $59,668 | — | 122 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | #22 | $57,389 | — | 156 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | #35 | $51,506 | — | 142 |
| Marketing. | #20 | $49,068 | — | 97 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | #3 | $48,065 | — | 16 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #12 | $37,208 | — | 20 |
| International Business.Small sample | #9 | $15,202 | — | 18 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | #15 | $89,077★ | $11,754 | 376 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | #4 | $66,491 | — | 24 |
| Public Health. | #23 | $44,665 | — | 32 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | #6 | $28,195 | — | 98 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | #37 | $57,392★ | — | 39 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. | #14 | $53,992 | — | 28 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | #18 | $52,098 | — | 12 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | #20 | $51,356 | — | 39 |
| Biology, General. | #26 | $49,396 | $8,493 | 297 |
Political Science and Government. leads social sciences & policy with 54K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government. | #32 | $54,069★ | — | 67 |
| Social Work. | #17 | $53,995 | — | 39 |
| Psychology, General. | #30 | $42,190 | — | 282 |
| Sociology.Small sample | #39 | $35,325 | — | 18 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $19,045 | — | 8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | #24 | $58,451★ | — | 22 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | #11 | $49,558 | — | 85 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | #15 | $36,373 | — | 68 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 43K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music. | #8 | $60,172★ | — | 29 |
| History. | #36 | $50,510 | — | 33 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | #27 | $47,152 | — | 13 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #40 | $45,184 | — | 61 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | #18 | $39,907 | — | 20 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | #27 | $36,854 | — | 64 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management.Small sample | — | $21,508 | — | 18 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 31K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research.Small sample | #24 | $31,207 | — | 14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | #20 | $47,681★ | — | 283 |
| Security Science and Technology. | #4 | $42,459 | — | 28 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | #21 | $51,063 | — | 170 |
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.
