Business/Commerce at Austin College

Austin College business graduates start at just $31,934—landing this program in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Texas business schools. That first-year figure trails the Texas median by nearly $14,000 and sits roughly $40,000 below what UT Austin graduates earn. The $26,000 in debt is typical for the field, but when measured against such low initial earnings, it creates a challenging first few years out of college.

The striking element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates nearly double their income by year four, reaching $62,498. That 96% growth rate suggests these graduates eventually find their footing in the job market, though they're starting from behind their peers at larger Texas business schools. This pattern may reflect the smaller alumni network and recruiting presence that comes with a liberal arts college of Austin College's size.

For parents, the question is whether your child can weather those lean early years. If they have family support to help with loan payments initially or plan to live at home after graduation, the eventual mid-career earnings become more attractive. But families counting on immediate post-graduation financial independence should recognize this program asks for patience—and that patience costs money when student loan interest is accruing on a modest starting salary.