Location: College Station, TX•In-State Tuition: $13,099•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,328•Admission Rate: 63%•Avg SAT: 1272
Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,372
79th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$22,000
11% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.33 ManageableSample: 313 graduates

Analysis

Texas A&M's sales program launches graduates into strong earnings territory—$66,372 puts them solidly above both the national median ($53,448) and Texas median ($58,664), though still trailing Baylor's business-focused program by a meaningful margin. With relatively modest debt of $22,000, the 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to pay off their loans in about four months of pre-tax income, a comfortable position that most financial advisors would approve.

The 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs tells you this is a solid middle-tier option in the state—you're getting better-than-average outcomes without paying Baylor-level tuition or taking on corresponding debt. The fact that this program performs even better nationally (79th percentile) reflects Texas's generally strong business job market, where even middle-ranked programs compete favorably with other states.

For a sales or merchandising career, Texas A&M delivers what matters most: immediate earning power and manageable debt. The Aggie network's reputation for business placements appears to translate into real dollars here, giving graduates a legitimate head start in corporate sales roles across Texas and beyond.

Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all general sales, merchandising bachelors's programs nationally

Texas A&M University-College StationOther general sales, merchandising programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally

Texas A&M University-College Station earns $66k — 79th percentile among general sales, merchandising bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

General Sales, Merchandising bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$66,372—$22,0000.33
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$84,271$129,286$20,5000.24
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$50,957$64,385$24,2500.48
Wade CollegeDallas$17,692$35,406$36,333$47,2481.33
National Median—$53,448—$24,6490.46

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with general sales, merchandising graduates

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Advertising Sales Agents

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

$61,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

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 313 graduates with reported earnings and 288 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.