Analysis
A bachelor's in chemistry from Texas A&M International sits right at the state median, with peer programs in Texas suggesting first-year earnings around $41,800. That's nearly identical to the statewide typical outcome, though it trails what graduates from flagship programs like UT Austin or Texas A&M College Station appear to earn by roughly $7,000-$9,000. For a chemistry degree—which typically requires rigorous coursework and lab sequences—this represents a modest but realistic starting point for a school serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body.
The estimated debt of $20,800 works in this program's favor. That's below both the state median for chemistry programs and the national benchmark, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50. Similar programs across Texas suggest graduates could feasibly pay down this debt within a few years while building career momentum. Chemistry degrees tend to open doors to graduate school, industry research positions, or healthcare careers—paths where earnings can climb significantly beyond that first-year figure.
For families in the Laredo area where TAMIU serves as the local university, this program offers a practical route into STEM fields without the debt burden seen at larger institutions. The trade-off is starting earnings that match rather than exceed state averages. If your student plans to pursue graduate education or relocate for better opportunities, this becomes a strategic foundation rather than a complete career investment.
Where Texas A & M International University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,846 | $41,799* | — | $20,791* | — | |
| $9,711 | $50,717* | $66,725 | $12,000* | 0.24 | |
| $13,099 | $49,462* | $66,584 | $19,500* | 0.39 | |
| $14,564 | $48,783* | — | $20,747* | 0.43 | |
| $9,228 | $43,940* | $51,532 | $28,775* | 0.65 | |
| $11,678 | $43,383* | $58,652 | $18,500* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581* | — | $24,000* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
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 Texas A & M International University, approximately 63% 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 12 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.