Engineering Technology (Bachelor's Degree) at West Texas A & M University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$60,529

Est. from national median (34 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,325

Est. from national median (32 programs)

Analysis

At $60,529 in first-year earnings, peer programs in Engineering Technology suggest solid financial returns, though West Texas A&M's actual outcomes remain unknown due to limited graduate data. The estimated earnings align with national benchmarks and exceed the Texas median of $52,958, while the projected debt load of $26,325 produces a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning roughly five months of gross income would cover the full loan balance.

What's tricky here is the gap between Texas State's reported $52,958 and the national figure West Texas A&M's estimates are based on. Engineering Technology programs can vary significantly in focus—some emphasize manufacturing, others construction or industrial systems—and curriculum differences could explain this spread. The national benchmark might also reflect stronger regional job markets in manufacturing hubs outside Texas. For a family evaluating this program, the question becomes whether West Texas A&M's specific industry connections and curriculum align with higher-paying specializations, or whether the Texas State outcome is more realistic for a graduate staying in-state.

The bottom line: comparable programs suggest reasonable debt relative to earnings, but you're working with projections rather than this school's track record. If your student plans to work in Texas's oil and gas or manufacturing sectors where demand for engineering technologists runs high, the investment looks sensible. Just recognize you're betting on West Texas A&M performing more like national peers than its in-state competitor.

Where West Texas A & M University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering technology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Engineering Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon	$9,101	$60,529*	—	$26,325*	—
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos	$11,450	$52,958*	$64,513	$24,000*	0.45
National Median	—	$60,529*	—	$26,325*	0.43

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering technology graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

$64,200/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

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 national median of 34 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.