Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at Texas State Technical College
Associate's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas State Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas State Technical College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all physical science technologies/technicians associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State Technical College | $42,769 | $39,983 | $11,959 | 0.28 |
| Lee College | $94,986 | $105,103 | $9,598 | 0.10 |
| Kilgore College | $68,335 | $46,153 | $17,208 | 0.25 |
| Houston Community College | $60,612 | $50,432 | $21,740 | 0.36 |
| San Jacinto Community College | $59,496 | $79,742 | $10,000 | 0.17 |
| Del Mar College | $56,948 | — | $7,000 | 0.12 |
| National Median | $54,260 | — | $11,417 | 0.21 |
Other Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee College Baytown | $2,166 | $94,986 | $9,598 |
| Kilgore College Kilgore | $2,160 | $68,335 | $17,208 |
| Houston Community College Houston | $2,040 | $60,612 | $21,740 |
| San Jacinto Community College Pasadena | $1,992 | $59,496 | $10,000 |
| Del Mar College Corpus Christi | $3,440 | $56,948 | $7,000 |
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.