East Texas A&M University
East Texas A&M University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
East Texas A&M University at a Glance
East Texas A&M University is a public research university in Commerce, Texas, United States. With an enrollment of over 12,000 students as of fall 2017, the university is the third-largest institution in the Texas A&M University System. Founded in 1889, the institution is also the fifth-oldest state university or college in the State of Texas. The university is classified among "R2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production".
1889
137 years old
$33M
$33.2 million (2022)
11,500
8,134 undergrad · 3,366 grad
603
2,203 acres
Identity
Is East Texas A&M University Worth It?
East Texas A&M University offers moderate value at $11,841/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $50,296, which is 6% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 92% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How East Texas A&M University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #61 of 165 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #3 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #4 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #5 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #6 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #61 | East Texas A&M University | 47 | $11,841 | $50,296 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of East Texas A&M University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 20 in TX.
Best Programs at East Texas A&M University
The highest-earning program at East Texas A&M University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Work at $26,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from East Texas A&M University earns $62,400, while a Social Work graduate earns $26,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $23,345 in median debt vs. $28,750 for Social Work.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,841/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,400 | $62,400 | $23,345 |
| Mathematics | $45,800 | $45,800 | $19,748 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,500 | $40,500 | $17,000 |
| Music | $40,200 | $40,200 | $23,310 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $37,800 | $37,800 | $21,957 |
| Agriculture, General | $37,400 | $37,400 | $18,840 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,300 | $37,300 | $22,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,700 | $31,700 | $24,250 |
| Sociology | $31,300 | $31,300 | $24,919 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $30,200 | $30,200 | $20,626 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,900 | $28,900 | $26,308 |
| Psychology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $19,174 |
| Social Work | $26,000 | $26,000 | $28,750 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Commerce, TX
- Student Body
- 9,912 students
- Admission Rate
- 92%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,841
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,296
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500