Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,187
95th percentile (80th in TX)
Median Debt
$20,500
18% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.30
Manageable
Sample Size
127
Adequate data

Analysis

Baylor's accounting graduates earn $68,187 right out of college—27% more than the typical Texas accounting graduate and substantially above the national median of $53,694. Within Texas, this program ranks in the 80th percentile, sitting just behind the state's elite programs at TCU and SMU while essentially matching UT Austin's outcomes. The $20,500 median debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30, meaning graduates earn over three times their debt load in their first year alone.

The trajectory looks even better over time, with median earnings climbing to $80,617 by year four—an 18% increase that suggests solid career progression. This is meaningful: accounting careers can sometimes plateau early, but Baylor graduates are seeing consistent income growth through their mid-twenties. The combination of strong starting salaries and manageable debt puts graduates in an enviable financial position compared to peers at other Texas schools, where the typical debt load is slightly higher and earnings are significantly lower.

For parents concerned about ROI, this is straightforward: Baylor delivers top-tier accounting outcomes in Texas at a reasonable cost. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, placing it among the best accounting programs in the country. While admission is selective (51% acceptance rate), students who get in are accessing a program that meaningfully outperforms most alternatives in the state.

Where Baylor University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Baylor UniversityOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Baylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Baylor University graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Baylor University$68,187$80,617$20,5000.30
Texas Christian University$72,031$78,532$17,7780.25
Southern Methodist University$68,643$77,801$15,8500.23
The University of Texas at Austin$68,082$78,482$19,4620.29
Texas A&M University-College Station$67,186$84,502$17,6410.26
Texas Tech University$63,059$76,067$21,6730.34
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth
$57,220$72,031$17,778
Southern Methodist University
Dallas
$64,460$68,643$15,850
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$68,082$19,462
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$67,186$17,641
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
$11,852$63,059$21,673

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baylor University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 127 graduates with reported earnings and 151 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.