Accounting at Texas A & M International University

Texas A&M International's accounting program produces earnings that trail the state median by nearly $6,000—landing in just the 25th percentile among Texas accounting programs—but the $13,000 median debt is roughly half the state average. First-year graduates earn $35,528, climbing to $43,704 by year four, which represents solid 23% growth but still leaves earnings about $10,000 below what typical Texas accounting graduates make. The gap widens dramatically when compared to elite Texas programs like UT Austin or Texas A&M College Station, where graduates earn roughly $25,000 more annually.

The university serves a predominantly lower-income student population (63% Pell recipients) in Laredo, and the modest debt load matters significantly for these families. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically manage their loans even with below-average starting salaries. The trade-off is clear: students accept substantially lower earning potential in exchange for minimal debt and likely stay in the border region where cost of living runs lower than Dallas or Houston.

For families prioritizing debt avoidance above all else, this works. But parents should recognize their child will likely earn $50,000-$100,000 less over their first four years compared to graduates from stronger Texas accounting programs. If your student can gain admission to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or even regional schools with stronger outcomes, the higher earnings typically justify moderate additional debt. This program makes sense primarily for students committed to the Laredo area or those unable to access better alternatives.