Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Rio Grande Valley's health sciences program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that outpace 80% of similar programs in Texas—a state with nearly 30 competing options. At $40,655 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $8,200 more than the typical Texas health sciences graduate and nearly match the program at Texas A&M. The $16,500 in typical debt represents less than half a year's salary and is dramatically lower than both state and national medians for this field.
The value proposition looks particularly strong for the majority of students here who come from lower-income backgrounds (64% receive Pell grants). While an 85% admission rate and modest SAT scores might suggest an open-access institution, the earnings outcomes tell a different story—this program appears to be delivering unusually strong preparation for the healthcare workforce in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
The main caveat is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift with next year's cohort. But the combination of top-quintile earnings, minimal debt burden, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41 suggests a program that's connecting students to solid healthcare jobs without burying them in loans. For families evaluating affordable paths into allied health careers, this program warrants serious consideration despite the limited data.
Where The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $40,655 | — | $16,500 | 0.41 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $41,126 | — | $29,298 | 0.71 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $37,331 | — | $16,543 | 0.44 |
| South University-Austin | $36,654 | $40,651 | $57,500 | 1.57 |
| Texas Woman's University | $34,755 | $45,518 | $25,000 | 0.72 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $34,454 | $45,018 | $22,500 | 0.65 |
| National Median | $35,279 | — | $26,690 | 0.76 |
Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio | $35,660 | $41,126 | $29,298 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $37,331 | $16,543 |
| South University-Austin Round Rock | $18,238 | $36,654 | $57,500 |
| Texas Woman's University Denton | $8,648 | $34,755 | $25,000 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio | $8,991 | $34,454 | $22,500 |
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 Rio Grande Valley, approximately 64% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.