Analysis
Texas A&M's mechanical engineering program punches well above its 63% admission rate, landing graduates in the 93rd percentile nationally with $77,785 starting salaries. While it trails Rice and UT Austin in Texas, sitting at the 60th percentile statewide, it's competing against much more selective schools—and notably outpacing the typical Texas mechanical engineering grad by more than $11,000 annually. The $19,500 median debt is lower than both state and national averages, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25 that gives graduates substantial financial breathing room from day one.
The steady earnings trajectory to $86,346 by year four reflects the program's strong industry connections and the value employers place on Aggie engineers. What makes this particularly compelling is the combination: you're getting near-elite outcomes without needing a near-elite admission profile. Your child won't be crushed by debt while they establish themselves in a well-paying career.
For families balancing cost and career prospects, this represents exactly what a flagship state university should deliver—reliably strong engineering outcomes at manageable debt levels. The numbers suggest your investment will work out just fine.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $77,785 | $86,346 | +11% |
| Lamar University | $68,359 | $93,563 | +37% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $82,227 | $92,067 | +12% |
| Southern Methodist University | $79,280 | $92,000 | +16% |
| Rice University | $82,899 | $89,547 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $77,785 | $86,346 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Rice UniversityHouston | $58,128 | $82,899 | $89,547 | $15,375 | 0.19 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $82,227 | $92,067 | $18,750 | 0.23 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $79,280 | $92,000 | $17,708 | 0.22 |
 West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon | $9,101 | $78,028 | $80,251 | $21,125 | 0.27 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $75,726 | $83,751 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 297 graduates with reported earnings and 258 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.