Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable engineering programs nationally, UTSA appears to offer solid value for families seeking an affordable technical education. The estimated $67,911 first-year salary sits right at the national median, while the projected $25,832 in debt is manageable—translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years of starting work.
Texas engineering programs show a relatively tight range of outcomes, with UTSA's estimated figures landing squarely in the competitive middle. Similar programs across the state typically produce starting salaries between $64,000 and $74,000, and UTSA's accessible admissions (88% acceptance rate) combined with its substantial Pell population (42%) suggests it's delivering solid engineering outcomes to students who might not have access to more selective programs. The estimated debt load also tracks below what you'd see at some private alternatives in Texas.
The lack of school-specific data means some uncertainty remains about how UTSA's particular engineering graduates fare compared to these peer benchmarks. However, engineering tends to produce more consistent outcomes than many fields, and the fundamentals here—reasonable estimated debt paired with solid estimated earnings—suggest a practical investment for families prioritizing career preparation and keeping costs in check.
Where The University of Texas at San Antonio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,991 | $67,911* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $57,220 | $73,774* | $89,278 | $22,944* | 0.31 | |
| $33,150 | $63,830* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 The University of Texas at San Antonio, approximately 42% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.