Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,187
95th percentile
80th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$20,500
18% below national median

Analysis

Baylor's accounting graduates earn $68,187 right out of collegeβ€”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 fourβ€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$68,187$80,617$20,5000.30
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$72,031$78,532$17,7780.25
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$68,643$77,801$15,8500.23
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$68,082$78,482$19,4620.29
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$67,186$84,502$17,6410.26
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$63,059$76,067$21,6730.34
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.