Analysis
A $53,984 first-year salary matched against $18,246 in debt creates a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio—well within conventional guidelines for college investment. Based on comparable Business/Managerial Economics programs in Texas, this appears to align with what the state's median program produces, sitting right at the statewide benchmark. That's neither exceptional nor concerning, but rather typical for the field in this region. The estimated debt load runs about $800 below the Texas median, which matters when you're looking at monthly payments over a decade.
What's worth noting is where East Texas A&M fits within the Texas landscape. Similar programs at Baylor command higher starting salaries ($60,575), but likely come with steeper costs. Meanwhile, programs at UT San Antonio produce notably lower early earnings ($44,424), suggesting that East Texas A&M's position in the middle of the pack reflects a reasonable balance. The school's 41% Pell grant population indicates it serves students who particularly need that earnings-to-debt calculation to work in their favor, and based on peer outcomes, it appears positioned to deliver that.
For parents evaluating this program, the core question is whether mid-$50,000s starting earnings justify the investment. Comparable Texas programs suggest yes—the debt burden is modest relative to early career income, and graduates should have breathing room in their budgets. This isn't a high-risk proposition based on the numbers from similar programs statewide.
Where East Texas A&M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,026 | $53,984* | — | $18,246* | — | |
| $54,844 | $60,575* | $78,948 | $22,500* | 0.37 | |
| $11,164 | $54,058* | $82,643 | $14,125* | 0.26 | |
| $11,728 | $53,984* | — | $16,063* | 0.30 | |
| $11,450 | $49,831* | $65,481 | $23,125* | 0.46 | |
| $8,991 | $44,424* | $49,224 | $18,246* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 East Texas A&M University, approximately 41% 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 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.