Analysis
Texas A&M delivers strong returns for computer engineering graduates, with first-year earnings of $86,366 climbing to nearly $105,000 by year fourโa 22% jump that reflects solid career progression. Among Texas's 16 programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, outpacing major competitors like UT Dallas and University of Houston while trailing only Texas Tech in median outcomes. The $22,816 debt load sits right at the state median and translates to a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn roughly four dollars for every dollar borrowed.
What makes this compelling is the combination of strong absolute earnings and reasonable debt. While Texas A&M's computer engineering program doesn't dominate its state rankings, $86,000+ starting salaries are well above the national median of $79,000, and the continued earnings growth through year four suggests graduates are landing at companies that reward technical skills with advancement. The program's 81st percentile national ranking confirms it's competing effectively beyond Texas borders.
For families weighing A&M against other Texas engineering schools, the tradeoff is straightforward: you're getting top-three outcomes in the state with debt levels that won't constrain early-career decisions. The robust sample size means these numbers reflect real hiring patterns, not statistical noise. At 63% admission rate and moderate debt, this represents accessible entry into a field where six-figure salaries by year four are the norm rather than the exception.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer 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 | $86,366 | $104,901 | +21% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $81,226 | $101,060 | +24% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $77,609 | $98,131 | +26% |
| University of North Texas | $78,714 | $96,651 | +23% |
| Texas Tech University | $85,619 | $96,395 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more โ
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,099 | $86,366 | $104,901 | $22,816 | 0.26 | |
| $11,852 | $85,619 | $96,395 | $27,000 | 0.32 | |
| $11,728 | $81,226 | $101,060 | $20,833 | 0.26 | |
| $9,711 | $80,438 | โ | $21,582 | 0.27 | |
| $11,164 | $78,714 | $96,651 | $23,235 | 0.30 | |
| $14,564 | $77,609 | $98,131 | $21,000 | 0.27 | |
| National Median | โ | $78,952 | โ | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.