Analysis
Brazosport College's physical science technician program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that's worth examining closely, even though the initial figures are estimates based on comparable Texas programs. While first-year earnings appear modest at $54,260, by year four graduates reach $131,673—more than double the starting salary and well above even the state's top-performing programs like Lee College at $95,000. This extraordinary growth suggests graduates may be entering career paths with strong advancement potential, possibly in the region's oil, gas, and petrochemical industries concentrated around the Gulf Coast.
The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 translates to a 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio—a comfortable margin that looks even better considering the four-year earnings potential. If the year-four figure reflects actual outcomes for this program (it's reported, not estimated), Brazosport graduates are achieving exceptional mid-career results that dwarf those at peer institutions.
The question is whether that four-year number represents typical outcomes or a small subset of high-achieving graduates. Given that both initial earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from similar Texas programs, you're betting on a career trajectory rather than confirmed data. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and confident their student will capitalize on the industrial opportunities in Lake Jackson's economy, the financial picture is compelling. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into this specific program's track record.
Where Brazosport College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physical science technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazosport College | — | $131,673 | — |
| College of the Mainland | $49,694 | $124,952 | +151% |
| Wharton County Junior College | $45,277 | $123,220 | +172% |
| Lee College | $94,986 | $105,103 | +11% |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | $42,539 | $103,161 | +143% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,388 | $54,260* | $131,673 | $11,959* | — | |
| $2,166 | $94,986* | $105,103 | $9,598* | 0.10 | |
| $2,160 | $68,335* | $46,153 | $17,208* | 0.25 | |
| $2,040 | $60,612* | $50,432 | $21,740* | 0.36 | |
| $1,992 | $59,496* | $79,742 | $10,000* | 0.17 | |
| $3,440 | $56,948* | — | $7,000* | 0.12 | |
| National Median | — | $54,260* | — | $11,417* | 0.21 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physical science technologies/technicians graduates
Chemical Technicians
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Hydrologic Technicians
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
Quality Control Analysts
Remote Sensing Technicians
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Brazosport College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.