Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at West Texas A & M University vary significantly by field of study, with nursing and engineering leading in earnings while liberal arts programs offer different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 32 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment scale.
#139 nationally
$48K median earnings
Engineering leads in earnings outcomes, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $80,251 median income ten years after graduation. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $72,915, representing strong career preparation in healthcare fields. Business programs show solid performance, with Business/Commerce graduates earning $57,068 and Agribusiness graduates earning $55,175, reflecting diverse pathways to career success.
Several programs at West Texas A & M University achieve exceptional national recognition. Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding ranks #7 nationally and #1 in Texas, demonstrating the university's agricultural expertise. Health Services/Allied Health programs rank #32 nationally and #2 in Texas, while Brass Instruments ranks #12 nationally with outstanding value performance. These rankings reflect program quality and graduate outcomes rather than institutional reputation.
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 levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at West Texas A & M University.
Engineering programs deliver the highest earnings at West Texas A & M University, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $80,251 median income. While national rankings are moderate at #146, the program provides strong regional career preparation.
These technical programs offer excellent return on investment for students willing to undertake rigorous coursework, with earnings substantially above university averages.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science.Small sample | #139 | $98,049★ |
Program outcomes reflect graduate employment and earnings data from the federal College Scorecard, based on students who received federal financial aid. Rankings compare programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions nationally, focusing on labor market results rather than academic reputation. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for graduates with sufficient employment data. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for inclusion, ensuring statistical reliability. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and educational objectives when selecting programs of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value analysis combines earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to identify programs offering optimal return on investment. Brass Instruments achieves the highest value score of 92.3 despite modest absolute earnings, reflecting excellent outcomes relative to program costs. Agricultural Plant Breeding scores 81.5 with strong national recognition, while Health Services programs score 60.3 with solid earnings and completion rates.
Health professions programs demonstrate excellent loan affordability, with nursing graduates able to support debt payments representing under 8% of discretionary income. Business and agriculture programs maintain good affordability ratings with payments in the 8-12% range. Liberal arts and social science programs show manageable affordability, though students should carefully consider debt levels relative to career earnings potential in these fields.
| — |
| 14 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #149 | $80,251 | — | 43 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | #26 | $48,432 | — | 10 |
Business programs show varied performance, with Business/Commerce graduates earning $57,068 and ranking #39 nationally, while Business Administration graduates earn $51,645 at #225 nationally. Digital Marketing and Information Resources Management provide specialized pathways with solid earnings in the $50,000-$58,000 range.
These programs suit students seeking versatile career preparation with moderate debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #76 | $58,423★ | — | 30 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #42 | $57,068 | — | 53 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #248 | $54,234 | — | 37 |
| Digital Marketing. | #135 | $52,388 | — | 53 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #224 | $51,645 | — | 114 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #198 | $44,961 | — | 52 |
Health programs at West Texas A & M University demonstrate strong earnings potential with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leading at $72,915 median earnings and ranking #170 nationally. Health Services/Allied Health programs rank #32 nationally and #2 in Texas, showing exceptional national standing.
These programs combine solid career preparation with manageable debt levels, making them excellent choices for students seeking stable healthcare careers with strong income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #174 | $72,915★ | — | 132 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #30 | $46,139 | — | 104 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.Small sample | — | $26,625 | — | 5 |
Biology programs rank #310 nationally with modest earnings of $40,947, reflecting the program's preparation for graduate school rather than immediate career entry. With 87 graduates annually, the program maintains solid enrollment despite lower immediate earnings.
These programs suit students planning advanced study in medicine, research, or related fields where graduate education drives career outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #315 | $40,947 | — | 87 |
Social science programs show mixed results, with Psychology graduates earning $39,084 and ranking #297 nationally, while Forensic Social Work graduates earn $41,189 at #152 nationally. These programs serve students interested in human services and social policy, though earnings remain below university averages.
They suit students prioritizing social impact over maximum income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration, Other.Small sample | — | $73,471★ | — | 6 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #154 | $41,189 | — | 48 |
| Psychology, General. | #306 | $39,084 | — | 52 |
Advertising. leads communications with 45K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising.Small sample | #64 | $44,892★ | — | 17 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other.Small sample | #251 | $33,579 | — | 15 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #70 | $26,739 | — | 21 |
Arts programs demonstrate exceptional national performance, with Brass Instruments ranking #12 nationally and achieving the highest value score of 92.3 among all programs. Despite lower absolute earnings of $49,232, the program's national recognition creates strong value.
These programs serve students prioritizing artistic development and cultural engagement over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Instruments. | #12 | $49,232★ | — | 51 |
| General Studies. | #52 | $45,509 | — | 202 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #281 | $36,790 | — | 17 |
| Acting. | #75 | $29,685 | — | 20 |
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | — | $18,315 | — | 5 |
Agriculture programs excel nationally, with Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding ranking #7 nationally and #1 in Texas despite modest earnings of $48,432. Agribusiness programs rank #29 nationally with stronger earnings of $55,175.
These programs reflect the university's regional expertise and offer excellent value for students interested in agricultural careers with strong national recognition.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #32 | $55,175★ | — | 50 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding. | #8 | $48,432 | — | 53 |
| Agriculture, General. | #19 | $44,384 | — | 21 |
| Agricultural Communication/Journalism.Small sample | #8 | $40,679 | — | 14 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services, Other.Small sample | — | $39,315 | — | 14 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #146 | $42,373 | — | 47 |
Interdisciplinary programs include General Studies (#49 nationally) and Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies (#63 nationally), serving as the university's largest programs with over 400 combined graduates annually. Exercise Science ranks #103 nationally with solid earnings of $49,191.
These flexible programs accommodate diverse student needs while maintaining reasonable earnings outcomes and strong enrollment numbers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #102 | $49,191★ | — | 58 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #68 | $44,487 | — | 195 |
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.
