Analysis
UT Permian Basin's mechanical engineering program is a solid value play for students who can keep their debt low, though you should be aware this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates. At $18,750 in median debt—well below both the state ($23,102) and national ($24,755) medians—graduates avoid the debt burden that can complicate early-career decisions. The first-year salary of $65,167 lags behind Texas A&M and UT Austin grads who start near $80,000, but that 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe less than four months of their starting salary.
What's encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 36% to $88,618 by year four, putting graduates squarely in the middle of Texas's engineering market. This makes sense given Odessa's location in the Permian Basin energy hub, where experienced engineers see strong demand. The program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide—not top-tier, but respectable for a regional university with an accessible admissions profile.
The small sample size means these numbers could shift significantly with future cohorts, but the fundamentals work: low debt combined with solid earnings growth in an engineering-heavy regional economy. If your child plans to work in West Texas energy or related industries, this program delivers ROI without the credential premium—or price tag—of the flagship schools.
Where The University of Texas Permian Basin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | $65,167 | $88,618 | +36% |
| Lamar University | $68,359 | $93,563 | +37% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $82,227 | $92,067 | +12% |
| Southern Methodist University | $79,280 | $92,000 | +16% |
| Rice University | $82,899 | $89,547 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa | $10,904 | $65,167 | $88,618 | $18,750 | 0.29 |
 Rice UniversityHouston | $58,128 | $82,899 | $89,547 | $15,375 | 0.19 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $82,227 | $92,067 | $18,750 | 0.23 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $79,280 | $92,000 | $17,708 | 0.22 |
 West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon | $9,101 | $78,028 | $80,251 | $21,125 | 0.27 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $77,785 | $86,346 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 Permian Basin, approximately 36% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.