TEXAS — Students who enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Texas institutions during the 2008-09 academic year outearned peers who never attended college by an average of nearly $87,000 over the following 15 years, according to a study released by the Postsecondary Commission. The nonprofit education group tracked about 29,000 students and measured outcomes using a metric it called cumulative net value-added earnings. That metric compares college enrollees' total earnings over a period with those of workers who never attended college, subtracting educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, and income lost while attending college.

Engineering and architecture majors posted the highest returns on investment among bachelor's degree fields over the 15-year period. Liberal arts majors outperformed their peers without bachelor's degrees by about $35,000 across the same span.

"Those pursuing a bachelor's degree — regardless of field of study — are likely making a wise investment," said Michael Itzkowitz, president of HEA Group. "That's a financial gain that will likely grow even more over time, as these learners and earners progress throughout their careers," he said.

Outcomes were more varied among shorter credential programs. Most students who entered associate's degree programs generated positive net value-added earnings over 15 years. Students in construction trades associate degree programs saw a return of roughly $72,000 over 15 years after beginning the credentials, while construction trade certificates generated a return of roughly $48,000 over the same period.

Two-year programs in culinary services and logistics resulted in net losses of about $13,000 and $15,000 respectively over 15 years. Seven certificate fields, including social sciences and information technology, also resulted in net losses during the 15-year period.

The study was limited to Texas students, and results may vary in other states due to regional economic differences affecting employment training requirements. The Commission noted that outcomes across credential types reflect differences in program length, cost, and regional labor market conditions.