Analysis
Baylor's finance program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Texas programsβimpressive positioning between flagship state schools and elite private competitors like SMU and UT Austin. First-year earnings of $67,909 substantially outpace both the national median ($53,590) and Texas median ($52,581), while the $23,000 debt load sits right at typical levels for finance programs.
The 28% earnings growth over four years shows graduates gaining traction in their careers, reaching $86,622 by year four. That trajectory suggests Baylor's network and curriculum are opening doors to quality roles, likely in regional financial centers like Dallas-Fort Worth. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates owe roughly four months of their starting salaryβa manageable burden that most can pay down quickly while building savings.
What makes this particularly appealing is the combination of strong outcomes with reasonable accessibility. At a 51% admission rate, Baylor isn't filtering for only the most elite students, yet it's delivering finance graduate outcomes that rival programs with far more selective admissions. For families weighing cost against career preparation, this represents a clearer path to ROI than many alternatives in the state.
Where Baylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services 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 | $67,909 | $86,622 | +28% |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | +37% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | +17% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | +27% |
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,844 | $67,909 | $86,622 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| $64,460 | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 | |
| $11,678 | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 | |
| $57,220 | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 | |
| $13,099 | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 | |
| β | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 117 graduates with reported earnings and 111 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.