Family and Consumer Economics at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's Family and Consumer Economics program produces graduates earning nearly $54,000 in their first year—dramatically outperforming the national median of $40,141 for this field. While the program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it's worth noting that among Texas programs (only two schools offer this degree in-state), it sits at the 60th percentile, still ahead of Texas State but below the state median. The standout feature here is debt management: graduates carry just $27,750, placing this program in the 9th percentile nationally for debt burden—meaning 91% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt.

The math works strongly in graduates' favor. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, students owe roughly half their first-year salary, well below concerning thresholds. More importantly, earnings grow 25% by year four to $67,444, making debt repayment increasingly manageable. This trajectory suggests graduates are building marketable skills that translate to career advancement.

For a family considering this program, the fundamentals are solid: reasonable debt, strong starting salary, and consistent earnings growth. The modest sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the combination of controlled borrowing and above-average earnings makes this a financially sensible choice within the Family and Consumer Economics field. Parents should feel confident that their investment will yield returns that justify the cost.