Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texas A&M-Texarkana's liberal arts program lands graduates in a tricky spot: their $37,685 first-year earnings fall below the Texas median of $38,829, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. While the program edges above the national median, Texas students have access to considerably stronger options—including UT Austin at $45,243 and several regional universities pushing past $43,000. The $25,000 debt load is reasonable but not exceptional, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that works but doesn't stand out.

The concern here isn't catastrophic outcomes—it's opportunity cost. Half of TAMU-Texarkana's students receive Pell grants, meaning many come from families where every tuition dollar counts. When in-state alternatives consistently deliver $6,000-$15,000 higher starting salaries for similar debt levels, the financial gap compounds quickly. A liberal arts degree's value often emerges over time, but starting behind the state median makes that climb steeper.

For Texas families, this program represents a stable but underwhelming investment. If TAMU-Texarkana offers unique advantages—location, specific faculty, or family circumstances—the outcomes are acceptable. But purely on earnings potential, other Texas schools deliver notably better returns for similar credentials, making this worth a careful cost-benefit conversation before committing.