Location: College Station, TX•In-State Tuition: $13,099•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,328•Admission Rate: 63%•Avg SAT: 1272
Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,584
61st percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$18,856
27% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 54 graduates

Analysis

Texas A&M's Public Health program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—ranking around the 60th percentile both nationally and within Texas. With graduates earning $39,584 their first year out, that's modestly above the national median of $37,548 and notably ahead of the Texas median of $35,119. The debt load of $18,856 is also meaningfully lower than both state and national benchmarks, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that graduates could realistically manage in under two years.

What stands out here is that this isn't Texas A&M at its best. The flagship produces far stronger outcomes in other fields, and even within public health, some regional competitors deliver more. East Texas A&M graduates, for instance, earn $44,621 in their first year—about $5,000 more annually. Still, the manageable debt and A&M's broader institutional reputation offer some insurance against the field's modest starting salaries.

For families prioritizing job security in healthcare-adjacent work over high earnings, this represents a reasonable path forward. The combination of below-average debt and above-average (if unspectacular) earnings creates breathing room for graduates to pursue graduate degrees or public sector careers. Just understand you're paying for the Aggie network and campus experience more than you're buying exceptional earning power in this particular field.

Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Texas A&M University-College StationOther public health 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 $40k — 61th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 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$39,584—$18,8560.48
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston—$99,671—$30,5000.31
East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce$10,026$44,621—$23,3280.52
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio$35,660$37,319—$31,0000.83
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$37,043—$20,1080.54
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$35,761$54,491$21,5000.60
National Median—$37,548—$26,0000.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 54 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.