Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,154
73rd percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$22,462
7% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
107
Adequate data

Analysis

Texas A&M's industrial production technology program significantly outperforms most competitors in the state, though it trails Lamar's top-ranked program. With first-year earnings of $68,154, graduates earn $13,000 more than the Texas median and nearly $8,400 above the national average. Among the 12 Texas schools offering this degree, A&M lands solidly in the 60th percentile—respectable for a program that combines the university's engineering expertise with hands-on technical training.

The financial equation works well here. At $22,462 in median debt, graduates owe just one-third of their first-year salary, creating a manageable repayment scenario. This debt figure actually comes in slightly below both state and national medians for the program. For families drawn to Texas A&M's reputation but concerned about engineering program costs, this technical degree offers a pragmatic alternative with strong immediate earning potential.

The main consideration is whether Lamar's $16,000 earnings premium justifies exploring that option, particularly for students who prioritize maximizing starting salary. However, A&M's broader alumni network and campus resources may offer longer-term career advantages that aren't captured in first-year earnings data. For students interested in manufacturing, quality control, or production management, this program delivers solid value with minimal financial risk.

Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Texas A&M University-College StationOther industrial production technologies/technicians programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas A&M University-College Station$68,154—$22,4620.33
Lamar University$84,746$80,134$37,6720.44
Tarleton State University$55,036$71,921$25,7500.47
Texas A&M University-Kingsville$50,039$61,808$23,3470.47
Sam Houston State University$49,623—$21,5000.43
National Median$59,822—$24,2500.41

Other Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lamar University
Beaumont
$8,690$84,746$37,672
Tarleton State University
Stephenville
$7,878$55,036$25,750
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Kingsville
$9,892$50,039$23,347
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
$9,228$49,623$21,500

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 107 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.