Est. Earnings (1yr)
$77,971
Est. from TX median (19 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

In Texas, engineering programs create a clear divide: top programs like UT Austin and Rice launch graduates toward six-figure trajectories, while the field's accessibility means outcomes vary significantly below that tier. Based on comparable programs across the state, Houston Christian's engineering graduates can expect around $78,000 in first-year earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack for Texas and nearly identical to the national median. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, the financial math works: that 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments even if starting salaries don't match the state's elite programs.

The real question is whether a $78,000 starting point justifies the investment when peer programs produce the same outcome. Houston Christian's accessible admissions and high Pell enrollment signal it's serving students who might not have access to UT or Rice, but the estimated earnings don't show a penalty for that accessibility. Engineering credentials hold value across institutional tiers, and the debt load appears reasonable for the field.

For families weighing this option: the estimated numbers suggest workable finances, but they're drawn from peers, not this program's actual track record. If your child is drawn to Houston Christian's environment and needs an engineering degree that won't crush them with debt, these projections offer reassurance. Just recognize you're betting on pattern, not proof—and that higher-ranked Texas programs show clear salary premiums if admission is realistic.

Where Houston Christian University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Houston Christian UniversityHouston$38,100$77,971*$26,000*
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$96,997*$106,557$20,500*0.21
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$96,751**
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$86,136*$92,968$25,692*0.30
Prairie View A & M UniversityPrairie View$11,299$84,195*$90,895$28,081*0.33
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$83,389*$98,879$22,482*0.27
National Median$77,710*$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 Houston Christian University, approximately 54% 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 19 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.