Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,164
28th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.83
Manageable
Sample Size
65
Adequate data

Analysis

Baylor's health/medical preparatory program starts slow but accelerates dramatically—earnings nearly double from $30,164 to $57,352 between year one and year four. That 90% growth rate suggests many graduates are leveraging this degree as a stepping stone into higher-paying healthcare roles or professional schools, which is exactly what a pre-health program should enable. While first-year earnings trail the national median by about $3,500, the four-year trajectory tells a completely different story about this program's value.

The Texas context matters here: Baylor lands at the 60th percentile among the state's ten pre-health programs, meaning it outperforms most in-state alternatives. The $25,000 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.83 ratio) and becomes increasingly reasonable as graduates' salaries climb. For students heading to medical, dental, or PA school, that initial $30K figure is largely irrelevant—it's a transition year. For those entering the healthcare workforce directly, the jump to $57K by year four represents solid positioning.

The key question for parents: Is your student planning to continue their education or enter the workforce? This program appears designed for the former, with outcomes that support students bridging into advanced healthcare degrees. If your child intends to stop at the bachelor's level and work immediately, other programs might offer stronger year-one earnings. But for the traditional pre-med trajectory, Baylor delivers what matters most—preparation and momentum.

Where Baylor University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs bachelors's programs nationally

Baylor UniversityOther health/medical preparatory programs programs

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 $30k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all health/medical preparatory programs 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

Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Baylor University$30,164$57,352$25,0000.83
National Median$33,642—$25,0000.74

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 65 graduates with reported earnings and 174 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.