Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,453
Est. from TX median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,333
Est. from national median (29 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen$6,627$49,453*$24,333*
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$57,410*$13,250*0.23
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown$51,058$50,984**
Nelson UniversityWaxahachie$18,610$47,921*$42,725$27,500*0.57
Southwestern Adventist UniversityKeene$24,588$45,551*$27,000*0.59
National Median$38,660*$26,522*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with education graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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.