Analysis
Texas A&M's Agricultural Engineering program produces graduates who immediately command $74,655—nearly $10,000 above the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. The $18,000 median debt is also well below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24. For context, that means graduates owe roughly three months' salary, which most finance experts would consider excellent. This is the only program of its kind in Texas, and A&M clearly dominates this specialized field at the national level.
The slight earnings dip from year one to year four deserves mention but shouldn't overshadow the strong fundamentals. Graduates still earn over $71,000 four years out, and the initial decline could reflect industry-specific factors rather than program weakness—perhaps graduates start in higher-paying consulting roles before moving into management positions that take time to scale up. The 60th percentile state ranking is somewhat misleading given the sample represents just one program.
For families weighing engineering specializations, this program offers immediate market value with manageable debt. The combination of low borrowing and strong starting salaries means graduates enter the workforce with real financial flexibility—a significant advantage over peers in programs with similar earnings but twice the debt burden.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $74,655 | $71,893 | -4% |
| Cornell University | $54,435 | $88,538 | +63% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $69,848 | $88,252 | +26% |
| University of Kentucky | $51,864 | $84,831 | +64% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $72,713 | $77,884 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Agricultural Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $74,655 | $71,893 | $18,000 | 0.24 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $75,434 | $73,787 | $26,625 | 0.35 |
 University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln | $10,108 | $73,907 | — | — | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $72,713 | $77,884 | $16,420 | 0.23 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $72,376 | $75,259 | $21,500 | 0.30 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $72,168 | $77,760 | $20,000 | 0.28 |
| National Median | — | $65,396 | — | $22,936 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with agricultural engineering 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-College Station, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.