Texas A&M Ranks First in Return on Investment Among Texas Public Universities

Staff Report

COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M University offers the highest return on investment (ROI) among Texas public universities, according to an analysis by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP).

The study, which assessed 53,000 degree and certificate programs nationwide, found that a Texas A&M bachelor’s degree delivers an average ROI of $861,725 — approximately $200,000 higher than the average for other public universities in Texas. Texas A&M’s ROI also surpasses the national average by 28.2%.

“Aggies have long known the value of an education at Texas A&M University,” said Texas A&M President General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III. “This data further underscores the impact of an Aggie education on the lives of our students not just upon graduation but long-term.”

The report highlights that Texas A&M graduates earn an average of $51,963 one year after completing their undergraduate degree, 9.3% above the national average. After 10 years, earnings average $85,685, exceeding the state average of $76,875 and ranking 9.5% above the national average. Additionally, 61% of Texas A&M undergraduates graduate debt-free, surpassing the national average by 13%.

Texas A&M degree programs also dominated high-earning fields. Petroleum engineering, business, and marine transportation rank first, third, and fourth, respectively, for the highest-earning bachelor’s degrees within 10 years of graduation. The university leads Texas public institutions with the most degree programs in the top 10 for this metric.

Other key findings include:

• Petroleum and chemical engineering are the top two highest-earning bachelor’s degrees in Texas within one year of completion.
• Texas A&M holds the top ROI positions in petroleum engineering, business, and chemical engineering among Texas public universities.
• STEM fields, including petroleum, aerospace, and mechanical engineering, consistently generate higher earnings for graduates.

The university’s impact extends beyond ROI. Texas A&M is the top public university in the nation for producing Fortune 500 CEOs, tied with Purdue University and the University of Michigan. Seven Texas A&M graduates are on Fortune’s annual list.

The findings reflect Texas A&M’s broader reputation for excellence. The Wall Street Journal recently named the university the top institution in Texas and the No. 11 public university in the nation. Its College of Engineering ranks among the top 10 public engineering schools, with the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering earning the No. 1 spot nationwide.

Source – Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications