Analysis
Based on comparable education programs in Texas, graduates from this program appear positioned around the state median—with projected first-year earnings of $49,453 against an estimated $24,333 in debt. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the worry threshold of 1.0, and the estimated debt load runs about $2,700 lighter than what other Texas education programs typically produce. For a field where starting salaries often lag other professional tracks, these figures suggest manageable financial positioning rather than an uphill battle.
The caveat: these numbers aren't actual outcomes from TAMU-Central Texas graduates but rather projections based on peer programs across the state. The school's open-admission policy and high Pell grant percentage (48%) indicate it primarily serves first-generation and working students around the Killeen area—a population that may face different post-graduation trajectories than the statewide median suggests. Education salaries in Texas vary considerably by district, and the specific employment patterns of this campus's graduates could differ from the broader state picture.
What matters most here is whether your child plans to teach in Texas public schools, where salaries follow structured pay scales that won't vary much regardless of which state university awarded the degree. If that's the path, an estimated $24,000 debt load for a bachelor's in education represents a reasonable investment—just recognize you're working with educated guesses rather than this campus's track record.
Where Texas A&M University-Central Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,627 | $49,453* | — | $24,333* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $51,058 | $50,984* | — | —* | — | |
| $18,610 | $47,921* | $42,725 | $27,500* | 0.57 | |
| $24,588 | $45,551* | — | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 University-Central Texas, approximately 48% 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 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.