Social Work at East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M's social work program sits below both the national and Texas medians for earnings, though the gap narrows by year four. First-year graduates earn $33,149—about $4,000 less than typical Texas social work graduates and $4,200 below the national median. By year four, earnings climb to $40,320, nearly catching the state median. However, the debt load of $25,313 means graduates start with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, which is manageable but tight for a helping profession. Among Texas social work programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, putting it squarely in the bottom half statewide.

The real concern is the starting salary. Social work already pays modestly nationwide, and beginning nearly $4,000 behind your in-state peers creates financial strain during the crucial early repayment years. For context, graduates from Texas Southern or Prairie View A&M start $7,000-$9,000 ahead annually with similar debt burdens. The 22% earnings growth is encouraging, but it takes four years to reach what some Texas programs deliver on day one.

If your child is committed to social work and needs an accessible admissions path, East Texas A&M can work—the debt is reasonable and earnings do improve. But if they have options among Texas public universities, comparing starting salaries is worth the effort. That first-year income gap translates to real financial pressure when loan payments begin.