East Texas A&M University
Commerce, Texas · Public · 92.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 51/100 · Below Average Value
East Texas A&M University scores 51 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale -- a regional public university with a deeply split outcome profile. In-state tuition of $10,026 and net price of $11,841 make it affordable, but a 42.8% completion rate -- fewer than half of entering students graduate -- is the dominant weakness in this profile. Median 6-year earnings of $36,000 and a 12.2-year payback period are below average for a four-year institution. The repayment rate at one year is just 51.5%, meaning nearly half of borrowers are not reducing principal within a year of leaving. However, select STEM and technical programs show strong outcomes: Computer and Information Sciences earns a B grade ($58,492 year-one, $100,394 at year four) and Registered Nursing posts $76,559 year-one. The largest program by graduate count is Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at 337 graduates -- earning only a C+ grade at $49,365 year-one. Criminal Justice (199 graduates) earns a D grade. The gap between ETAMU's best programs and its modal outcomes is wide. Students who can access the high-performing programs will find an affordable path; students in lower-ROI programs at a low completion rate institution face compounded risk.
East Texas A&M University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,026/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,326/yr |
| Average net price | $11,841/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $47,364 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,296 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 9,912 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at East Texas A&M University is $10,026/year ($22,326/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $11,841/year, or roughly $47,364 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,709/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,005/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $50,296 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,709 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,346 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,067 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,230 |
| $110,001+ | $20,005 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families in the $0-$30,000 bracket pay $9,709 per year at ETAMU. Against in-state tuition of $10,026, this reflects minimal net aid reduction beyond standard federal grants. For low-income students, the 42.8% completion rate is the primary financial risk: not completing means debt without the degree. Students in this bracket should prioritize programs with strong labor market demand and clear four-year paths.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-$75,000 bracket pays $12,067 per year. The $75,001-$110,000 bracket pays $17,230. Middle-income families are largely paying near-full cost of attendance at a school with modest institutional aid. The low absolute cost still makes ETAMU accessible, but the completion risk multiplies the effective cost for families who pay four-plus years of tuition without a degree outcome.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $20,005 per year at ETAMU. This is well above in-state tuition, reflecting fees and on-campus living costs. For high-income Texas families, ETAMU's cost is low but its completion rate and median earnings are below what the alternatives offer. Programs like CS and Nursing justify the investment; most other programs do not at this income level.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at East Texas A&M University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $54,059 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,596 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $49,846 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,791 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $45,169 | C |
| Psychology | $46,639 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $76,559 | - |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,394 | B |
| Music | $55,438 | C+ |
| Accounting | $68,346 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences is ETAMU's standout program: 62 graduates, $58,492 year-one, $100,394 at year four, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.377) with median debt of $22,062. The year-four trajectory to $100k is exceptional for a regional public university and reflects strong regional tech demand in the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor accessible from Commerce. Against in-state tuition of $10,026, this is a high-value pathway.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing posts $76,559 year-one for 72 graduates. Scorecard does not report four-year earnings or ROI grade for this program, limiting the full picture. Year-one earnings of $76k are strong and consistent with regional nursing labor markets in Texas. Against ETAMU's low tuition, nursing is likely among the highest-return paths at this institution even without a full earnings profile.
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies is ETAMU's largest program at 337 graduates: $49,365 year-one, $54,059 at year four, C+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.511) with median debt of $25,250. Year-one earnings of nearly $50k are not bad, but the four-year growth to $54k is flat -- suggesting this catch-all degree designation captures many graduates whose career progression plateaus early. The large volume of graduates in this category is a concern.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice is one of ETAMU's largest named programs at 199 graduates: $34,075 year-one, $46,596 at year four, D-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.872) with median debt of $29,723. Nearly $30,000 in debt against $34,000 in starting earnings is a difficult start. Criminal justice graduates in East Texas enter law enforcement and corrections roles where wages are locally competitive but not high in absolute terms. The D grade reflects a genuine financial mismatch.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 51.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 59.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 50.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 55.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-570 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-580 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 9,912 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 40.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,866 |
ETAMU admits 92.2% of applicants -- near-open enrollment with SAT 430-570 Math and 480-580 Reading and ACT 18-24. Admission to specific programs like nursing or engineering may require additional application steps. The wide ACT range reflects an institution designed to serve students across the academic preparation spectrum. Students should focus on completion pathways and use the university's advising resources actively.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
ETAMU's Scorecard peers include Angelo State, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Fort Hays State, and Central Michigan University. Among regional Texas public universities, ETAMU's 42.8% completion rate trails Angelo State meaningfully. Fort Hays State (Kansas) has a similar profile with stronger completion outcomes. For Texas students in East Texas, ETAMU and Corpus Christi are the most geographically comparable; Corpus Christi shows similar cost advantages but stronger retention data.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Texas A&M University (this school) | 51 | $11,841 | $50,296 |
| Fort Hays State University | 52 | $12,569 | $48,928 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| University of Toledo | 48 | $17,249 | $50,632 |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | 48 | $15,225 | $51,865 |
Who Thrives Here
East Texas A&M admits 92.2% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 430-570 Math and 480-580 Reading; ACT composite 18-24. It is a broadly accessible regional university in Commerce, Texas, serving the East Texas population. The 9,912-student enrollment includes a substantial online population. Pell rate of 40.5% indicates significant low-income enrollment. Students should prioritize entering programs with documented Scorecard earnings data; the large share of graduates in interdisciplinary and general studies programs reflects degree-path decisions that correlate with lower outcomes.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for East Texas A&M University is mixed. At $11,841 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 42.8% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $20,500 against $50,296 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.