Median Earnings (1yr)
$84,195
92nd percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$28,081
12% above national median

Analysis

Prairie View A&M's electrical engineering graduates earn $84,195 in their first year—that's $6,000 more than the national median and puts them ahead of 92% of similar programs nationwide. Even in Texas's competitive engineering landscape, where schools like UT Austin and Rice dominate, these graduates land squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile statewide, outearning those from Texas A&M College Station. With debt of just $28,081 (ranking in the bottom 5% nationally), students carry one of the lowest burdens among engineering programs, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33.

The practical math works strongly in students' favor here. A Prairie View graduate could reasonably pay off their debt within a year while still covering living expenses—a scenario few engineering programs can match. Four-year earnings climb to nearly $91,000, showing steady career progression. The 62% Pell Grant rate tells you this program successfully serves first-generation and lower-income students who need affordable pathways into high-earning technical careers.

The caveat: this data comes from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. But the fundamentals—low debt, strong starting salary, and competitive positioning against flagship state schools—suggest Prairie View offers genuine value for students seeking an affordable engineering degree with solid earning potential.

Where Prairie View A & M University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Prairie View A & M University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Prairie View A & M University$84,195$90,895+8%
The University of Texas at Austin$96,997$106,557+10%
Texas A&M University-College Station$83,389$98,879+19%
University of Houston$86,136$92,968+8%
Baylor University$82,475$92,181+12%

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 DebtDebt/Earnings
Prairie View A & M UniversityPrairie View$11,299$84,195$90,895$28,0810.33
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$96,997$106,557$20,5000.21
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$96,751———
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$86,136$92,968$25,6920.30
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$83,389$98,879$22,4820.27
Lamar UniversityBeaumont$8,690$83,155$83,799$18,0000.22
National Median—$77,710—$24,9890.32

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 Prairie View A & M University, approximately 62% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.