Computer Software and Media Applications at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's Software and Media Applications program shows a troubling pattern: graduates start well below typical computer science salaries at $36,000, and while earnings climb to $52,000 by year four, that's still modest for a tech degree from a flagship university. The program ranks only in the 41st percentile nationally—meaning most similar programs deliver better starting outcomes. The one bright spot: it beats the Texas median for this degree by about $18,000 in year four, landing in the 60th percentile statewide.

The debt load tells a concerning story. At $21,000, it's lower than the national median, but this program sits in the 82nd percentile for debt nationwide—meaning only 18% of similar programs burden students with more borrowing. Combined with weak starting salaries, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable but not impressive for a technical field where many programs offer both higher pay and lower debt.

For a flagship Texas school, this program underperforms expectations. If your child is set on this field at A&M, they should understand they're accepting below-average starting pay that improves significantly but never reaches standout levels. The real question: would they be better served by A&M's traditional computer science program, which likely delivers stronger industry connections and higher earnings? This particular degree appears to serve a niche without the employment leverage you'd expect from the Texas A&M name.