Analysis
Without actual outcome data from Jarvis Christian's engineering program, we're left projecting from national and Texas benchmarks—and those suggest a solid starting point. Engineering bachelor's programs nationally produce median first-year earnings around $68,000, with Texas programs averaging slightly higher at $68,802. The estimated $67,911 sits comfortably in that range, placing graduates within striking distance of peers at established programs like Texas Christian and Mary Hardin-Baylor.
The estimated debt load of $26,459 translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning threshold of 1.0. For context, this mirrors typical engineering debt loads nationally ($26,056) while sitting slightly above the Texas median of $22,944. Given that over half of students receive Pell grants, the program appears to serve a more economically diverse population than many peers, which makes reasonable debt levels particularly important.
The challenge here is straightforward: you're making a significant decision based entirely on proxy data. If your child is seriously considering this program, get specific answers directly from the school about where recent graduates actually landed jobs, what their real starting salaries looked like, and how quickly students complete the degree. Engineering credentials generally pay for themselves quickly, but you need confirmation that Jarvis Christian's specific program delivers those outcomes—not just faith that it matches national patterns.
Where Jarvis Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,720 | $67,911* | — | $26,459* | — | |
| $57,220 | $73,774* | $89,278 | $22,944* | 0.31 | |
| $33,150 | $63,830* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 Jarvis Christian University, approximately 52% 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 national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.