Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's IT management program graduates start at $58,127—solidly middle-of-the-pack nationally but beating 60% of Texas programs. That state comparison matters more than it might seem: while Texas produces roughly 1,800 IT management graduates annually, A&M's outcomes exceed the state median by nearly $2,000, suggesting the Aggie network and brand deliver tangible value even in a crowded field. The program trails only University of Phoenix-Texas among in-state options, and that gap narrows considerably by year four as A&M graduates see stronger earnings progression.

The debt picture substantially strengthens the case here. At $21,500, graduates carry about $9,000 less than the Texas median and $5,500 below the national average. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, most graduates should clear their loans within a year or two of aggressive repayment. The moderate sample size (30-100 grads) means individual outcomes vary, but the pattern holds: lower debt than peers, comparable early earnings, and steady growth to nearly $69,000 by year four.

For families weighing public university IT programs in Texas, A&M offers a straightforward value proposition—middle-tier starting salaries paired with below-average debt loads, all backed by a respected state flagship's career services and alumni connections. The program won't catapult graduates into elite tech salaries, but it provides solid preparation without the debt burden that often accompanies computer-related degrees.