Business Administration, Management and Operations at Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Texas A&M-Central Texas delivers what many families seeking business degrees actually need: reasonable debt paired with earnings that outpace most Texas programs. At $20,143 in median debt—substantially below both the national and state medians—graduates here carry 15% less debt than typical Texas business majors while earning $4,400 more. This program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas business schools, meaning it outperforms three out of five comparable programs in the state, despite serving a predominantly working-class student body (48% receive Pell grants).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, making monthly loan payments manageable from day one. While the $48,526 four-year earnings don't approach what UT Austin or TCU grads command, those elite programs aren't realistic comparisons for most Central Texas families. The more relevant question is whether this degree creates opportunity without crushing debt—and here the answer is clearly yes.

For families in the Killeen area looking at accessible business programs, this represents solid value. Your child graduates with debt they can realistically handle and earnings that climb steadily. It won't lead to six-figure salaries, but it won't leave them drowning in payments either.