Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Bachelor's Degree
tamuk.eduAnalysis
Texas A&M-Kingsville's geosciences program sits squarely in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable programs across Texas, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $43,700—essentially matching both the state and national medians. That's respectable for an earth sciences degree, though it trails the top Texas programs like Houston-Downtown and Texas Tech by $6,000-7,000 annually. The estimated debt of $22,900 is slightly lower than the national typical load, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that most graduates should be able to handle.
The real question is whether Kingsville offers something beyond the numbers. With a 92% admission rate and strong Pell grant representation, this program serves students who might not access flagship universities, providing a pathway into geosciences careers at a lower debt point than many alternatives. The field itself rewards those who can relocate for opportunities in energy, environmental consulting, or government work—sectors where Texas has genuine advantages.
For families weighing this option, the estimated figures suggest a middle-ground choice: not the earnings ceiling of College Station or Tech, but also not a concerning debt burden. If your student is serious about geosciences and Kingsville fits logistically or financially better than higher-earning alternatives, the fundamentals look sound enough to proceed confidently.
Where Texas A&M University-Kingsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all geological and earth sciences/geosciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,892 | $43,687* | — | $22,919* | — | |
| $7,708 | $50,894* | — | $20,250* | 0.40 | |
| $11,852 | $49,727* | $51,550 | $25,750* | 0.52 | |
| $13,099 | $44,585* | $52,783 | $20,837* | 0.47 | |
| $11,728 | $42,788* | $55,516 | $27,931* | 0.65 | |
| $8,991 | $42,779* | $50,177 | $18,969* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $39,678* | — | $24,757* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with geological and earth sciences/geosciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Hydrologists
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Hydrologic Technicians
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-Kingsville, approximately 55% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.