Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,984
Est. from TX median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,246
Est. from TX median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Business/Managerial Economics programs across Texas, the financial picture here looks solid. The estimated $54,000 first-year earnings aligns with both state and national medians for this degree, suggesting graduates enter the workforce at competitive salary levels. With estimated debt of $18,246—lower than typical borrowing for this major—the 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically dedicate about a third of their first year's salary to paying off loans, which falls comfortably within the manageable range.

The catch is that these figures come from peer programs, not West Texas A&M's actual outcomes. With a 97% admission rate and nearly 40% of students receiving Pell grants, this university serves a different population than selective competitors like Baylor (where graduates earn $60,575). Whether West Texas A&M's graduates hit these estimated benchmarks depends on factors we can't see in this data—job placement support, regional employment opportunities in the Texas Panhandle, and how well the program prepares students for careers in business economics.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if they materialize. But given the data gaps, talk directly with the department about where recent graduates actually landed and what starting salaries look like. The difference between these estimates and reality could significantly affect your child's financial trajectory.

Where West Texas A & M University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (22 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon$9,101$53,984*$18,246*
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$60,575*$78,948$22,500*0.37
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$54,058*$82,643$14,125*0.26
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$53,984*$16,063*0.30
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$11,450$49,831*$65,481$23,125*0.46
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$44,424*$49,224$18,246*0.41
National Median$53,219*$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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 West Texas A & M University, approximately 39% 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 median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.