Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP engineering graduates start earning $62,393—below both state and national benchmarks—but here's what matters: they hit $83,398 by year four, surpassing every program except Rice and UT Austin. That 34% earnings jump suggests UTEP students land strong positions within Texas's growing engineering sector, even if initial placement lags behind flagship universities.

The debt picture is the real story. At $18,875, UTEP students graduate owing roughly $4,000-5,000 less than the typical Texas engineering student. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, most graduates could feasibly pay off their loans within a year if they dedicated significant income to it. For families watching costs, this makes UTEP one of the more affordable paths to a solid engineering salary in Texas.

Consider what you're getting: open admission, 61% of students on Pell grants, and four-year earnings that rival Texas A&M and SMU graduates. UTEP serves a different student population than Rice or UT Austin, yet delivers comparable mid-career outcomes at a fraction of the debt. If your child is self-motivated and wants mechanical engineering credentials without the price tag or admission pressure of flagship schools, this program offers legitimate value—especially if staying in Texas is the plan.