Manufacturing Engineering at Texas State University

Texas State's Manufacturing Engineering program delivers solid outcomes at a manageable debt level, performing better against in-state competition than it might appear from national rankings. With first-year earnings of $68,886 and debt of $21,375, graduates face a debt burden equal to just 31% of their initial salary—well within comfortable repayment territory. The program ranks at the 60th percentile among Texas manufacturing engineering programs, which tells a more relevant story than its 26th percentile national ranking, especially since Texas State serves a primarily regional student body.

The modest 9% earnings growth to $74,756 by year four isn't explosive, but it's steady progression in a field where new graduates often start in solid production or process engineering roles. With only two schools in Texas offering this program, students have limited in-state alternatives, making Texas State's combination of accessible admissions (89% acceptance rate) and reasonable debt particularly relevant. The $21,375 median debt sits right at the national benchmark, meaning graduates aren't overpaying for their engineering credentials.

For families seeking an affordable path into manufacturing engineering without the pressure of highly competitive admissions, this program works. The earnings won't match what graduates from more selective engineering schools command, but the financial fundamentals—low debt relative to earnings and solid job prospects in Texas's robust manufacturing sector—create a viable foundation for career growth.