Materials Engineering at University of North Texas

Based on comparable materials engineering programs nationwide, UNT graduates can expect first-year earnings around $74,110—right at the national median for this specialized field. By year four, the typical graduate earns nearly $84,000. With debt estimated at $26,823, you're looking at a manageable borrowing level that represents just over a third of first-year income, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in well under two years if they lived frugally.

The challenge here is the uncertainty. Materials engineering is offered at only 63 schools nationally and just three in Texas, making this a niche credential. When graduate samples are this small, the Department of Education suppresses actual outcomes data, so we're relying on broader national patterns rather than UNT's specific track record. The four-year earnings figure suggests solid mid-career growth, but we can't see how UNT's program specifically prepares students compared to competitors.

What works in your favor: materials engineers are in demand, the debt load is reasonable compared to earning potential, and UNT's accessible admission profile (72% acceptance rate) means your student won't need perfect credentials to get in. The risk is committing to a specialized field with limited fallback options and without seeing how this particular program's alumni actually perform. Talk to current students and recent grads directly about job placement before deciding.