Analysis
Baylor's accounting graduates earn $68,187 right out of collegeβ27% 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 fourβan 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
Earnings Distribution
How Baylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | +18% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | +26% |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | +9% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | +15% |
| Southern Methodist University | $68,643 | $77,801 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,844 | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| $57,220 | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 | |
| $11,678 | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 | |
| $11,852 | $63,059 | $76,067 | $21,673 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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.