Texas State University vs Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Texas State University comes out ahead: 63/100 to 48/100, a 15-point edge over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi runs $15,225 a year against $16,805 at Texas State University - $1,580 more a year, or about $6,320 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Texas State University graduates earn a median $56,906 against $51,865 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at Texas State University and 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Texas State University owing a median $21,000 versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Texas State University | Texas A & M University-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,930 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,805 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,220 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,600 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 55.3% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.7% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.1% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.3% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 36,177 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 980-1200 | 970-1193 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,715 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,557 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,804 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,028 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $24,713 | $23,426 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $94,780 | $71,616 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $77,701 | $86,698 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,557 | $83,329 |
| Accounting | $78,418 | $60,160 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,100 | $66,917 |
| Marketing | $71,539 | $62,017 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,048 | $56,808 |
| International Relations | $56,716 | $33,968 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,832 | $50,896 |
| Biology | $55,605 | $50,181 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $55,595 | $52,301 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $54,053 | $52,078 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,009 | $42,921 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,447 | $49,859 |
| History | $52,329 | $50,387 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 72 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 50 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 48 |
The Verdict
Texas State University has the clearly stronger ROI here (63 vs 48) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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Texas State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.