Finance and Financial Management Services at Baylor University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Baylor's finance program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Texas programs—impressive 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 salary—a 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
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 finance and financial management services 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
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | $67,909 | $86,622 | $23,000 | 0.34 |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $83,159 | $19,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $81,844 | $20,500 |
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $78,453 | $19,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $71,409 | $16,880 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $70,963 | $48,469 |
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.