Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's geosciences program punches above its weight nationally, placing in the 79th percentile for graduate earnings—well ahead of the $39,678 national median. However, within Texas's competitive geosciences landscape, the picture shifts: graduates earn slightly above the state median of $43,686, landing in the 60th percentile among 28 Texas programs. While A&M trails regional competitors like University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) and Texas Tech ($49,727), the program still delivers solid returns with earnings growing 18% by year four to $52,783.

The debt load of $20,837 is actually lighter than both state and national medians, creating a healthy 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio that many families would envy. This means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—manageable territory for a STEM field. The combination of below-average debt and above-average national earnings creates financial breathing room early in graduates' careers.

For Texas families, this represents a sound choice rather than an exceptional one. A&M's geosciences program won't necessarily catapult your child ahead of peers at top Texas programs, but it offers reliable outcomes at a reasonable debt cost. The steady earnings trajectory and strong national standing suggest graduates are finding legitimate entry points into the geosciences industry, which matters more than ranking first in-state.