Computer Science at West Texas A & M University

West Texas A&M's computer science program punches well above its weight for an open-access institution. Graduates earn $88,391 in their first year—nearly $5,700 above the Texas median and $17,000 above the national median for CS programs. That's particularly impressive given the school's 97% admission rate and modest SAT scores, suggesting the program itself adds substantial value regardless of incoming student profile. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Texas (a competitive state for tech), it outperforms 83% of CS programs nationally.

The $26,000 median debt is reasonable, translating to a 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates significant financial breathing room. Earnings grow steadily to $98,000 by year four, and the upward trajectory suggests continued career momentum. For context, graduates here earn nearly as much as those from Baylor and more than Saint Edward's University students, despite West Texas A&M's much broader access mission.

The main caveat: this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Texas families seeking an affordable CS degree that delivers strong earnings without the competitive admissions of flagship programs, West Texas A&M represents genuine value—particularly if your student thrives in smaller, more supportive environments rather than pressure-cooker campuses.