Analysis
Baylor's business program reports exceptional outcomes—$75,000 starting salary, minimal debt, and 95th percentile performance both nationally and among Texas business schools—but there's a critical caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates. That small sample makes it hard to know whether these results are typical or just reflect a particularly successful cohort.
If we take the numbers at face value, the value proposition looks outstanding. The $15,000 median debt is roughly half what business graduates typically carry in Texas, while the starting salary exceeds both the state median ($46,000) and national average ($48,000) by a substantial margin. Strong four-year earnings growth to $91,000 suggests sustained career momentum. Only UT Austin clearly outperforms Baylor among Texas business programs, and UT's highly competitive admissions make Baylor an attractive alternative for strong students who may not get into the state flagship.
The small sample size means your child's experience could differ significantly from these reported outcomes. Before committing, dig deeper: ask the business school about typical employers recruiting on campus, placement rates into specific industries, and whether they can share more granular outcomes data. The fundamentals—strong university reputation, reasonable debt levels—suggest solid potential, but verify these impressive numbers reflect consistent results rather than an outlier year.
Where Baylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce 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 | $74,886 | $90,608 | +21% |
| Southwestern University | $47,056 | $76,367 | +62% |
| Concordia University Texas | $60,641 | $71,368 | +18% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $56,494 | $70,808 | +25% |
| Austin College | $31,934 | $62,498 | +96% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,844 | $74,886 | $90,608 | $15,000 | 0.20 | |
| $11,678 | $94,041 | — | — | — | |
| $36,690 | $60,641 | $71,368 | $38,138 | 0.63 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 | |
| $7,746 | $56,494 | $70,808 | $23,766 | 0.42 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.