Physical Science Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Texas State Technical College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$42,769

5th percentile

25th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$11,959

5% above national median

Analysis

Texas State Technical College's physical science tech program starts graduates at $43K—about $11,500 below what similar programs deliver both nationally and across Texas. More concerning, earnings actually decline to $40K by year four, while graduates from Lee College and Kilgore College in the same state are earning nearly double that amount. At the 25th percentile among Texas programs, this ranks well below what's typical for the state.

The debt load of roughly $12,000 is manageable and close to national norms, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. That's reasonable on paper, but the calculation becomes less favorable when earnings drop rather than grow. The program serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (45%), but the earnings outcomes suggest graduates aren't gaining the specialized skills or industry connections that command higher wages in Texas's robust energy and chemical processing sectors.

If your child is set on physical science technology, consider the Texas alternatives first—several community colleges deliver significantly stronger earnings outcomes for similar or lower debt. This program's value proposition weakens considerably when compared to what's available within the same state system.

Where Texas State Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all physical science technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Texas State Technical College 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 State Technical College	$42,769	$39,983	-7%
College of the Mainland	$49,694	$124,952	+151%
Wharton County Junior College	$45,277	$123,220	+172%
Lee College	$94,986	$105,103	+11%
Lamar Institute of Technology	$42,539	$103,161	+143%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco	$7,192	$42,769	$39,983	$11,959	0.28
Lee CollegeBaytown	$2,166	$94,986	$105,103	$9,598	0.10
Kilgore CollegeKilgore	$2,160	$68,335	$46,153	$17,208	0.25
Houston Community CollegeHouston	$2,040	$60,612	$50,432	$21,740	0.36
San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena	$1,992	$59,496	$79,742	$10,000	0.17
Del Mar CollegeCorpus Christi	$3,440	$56,948	—	$7,000	0.12
National Median	—	$54,260	—	$11,417	0.21

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physical science technologies/technicians graduates

Chemical Technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

$57,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

$50,510/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Hydrologic Technicians

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

$50,510/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

$49,490/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

Quality Control Analysts

Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.

Remote Sensing Technicians

Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

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 State Technical College, approximately 45% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.