Business Administration, Management and Operations at Angelo State University

Angelo State's business program starts students at $36,000—well below both the Texas median ($44,000) and national average ($46,000)—but delivers something more valuable than a high starting salary: momentum. Earnings jump 33% by year four to nearly $48,000, outpacing the typical growth trajectory for business degrees. At the 25th percentile among Texas business programs, this isn't where you send your child to compete with UT Austin or SMU graduates, but the relatively low debt load of $21,000 makes the initial earnings gap more manageable than it appears.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years, especially as their salaries climb. Compare that to programs with similar starting salaries but $30,000+ in debt, and Angelo State's value proposition becomes clearer. The moderate sample size suggests stable outcomes, not statistical noise.

For families prioritizing affordability and upward mobility over prestige, this works—particularly if your child plans to build a career in regional Texas markets where Angelo State's network is established. But if they're aiming for corporate finance in Dallas or Houston, the initial salary disadvantage matters more, and you'd likely see better returns at Texas State or even Texas Tech. Know what you're buying: steady career progression, not fast-track earnings.