Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Sam Houston State's Health Sciences graduates earn $27,611 in their first year—nearly $5,000 below the Texas median and $8,000 below the national average for this degree. While the 40th percentile ranking among Texas programs might seem middling, it means three out of five similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Compare this to top performers like University of the Incarnate Word ($41,126) or UT Rio Grande Valley ($40,655), and you're looking at a nearly $14,000 annual earnings gap.
The debt picture offers modest relief: at $25,000, it matches the Texas median and sits slightly below the national average. This keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.91—manageable but not comfortable given those first-year earnings barely crack $28,000. For context, graduates from Texas A&M's program earn $10,000 more annually while carrying similar debt loads.
The bottom line: this program gets you into the health services field affordably, but you're starting from a financial disadvantage compared to peers across Texas. If Sam Houston State is your in-state option and you're committed to staying local post-graduation, the debt burden won't crush you. But if you have access to the stronger Texas programs—particularly the public universities like Texas A&M or UT Rio Grande Valley—the earnings difference compounds significantly over time and warrants serious consideration.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sam Houston State University graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 11th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University | $27,611 | — | $25,000 | 0.91 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $41,126 | — | $29,298 | 0.71 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $40,655 | — | $16,500 | 0.41 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $37,331 | — | $16,543 | 0.44 |
| South University-Austin | $36,654 | $40,651 | $57,500 | 1.57 |
| Texas Woman's University | $34,755 | $45,518 | $25,000 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $35,279 | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio | $35,660 | $41,126 | $29,298 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg | $9,859 | $40,655 | $16,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $37,331 | $16,543 |
| South University-Austin Round Rock | $18,238 | $36,654 | $57,500 |
| Texas Woman's University Denton | $8,648 | $34,755 | $25,000 |
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 Sam Houston State University, approximately 40% 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 56 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.