Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs across Texas, Dallas Baptist University graduates can expect to start around $49,400—right at the state median but roughly $4,000 below the national benchmark for accounting bachelor's degrees. The estimated $22,800 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning your child would owe less than half their first year's salary.
The challenge here is context. Texas produces a wide range of accounting outcomes, with elite programs like TCU and UT Austin placing graduates at $68,000-$72,000—nearly 40% more than what similar programs to DBU typically yield. This gap matters in a competitive Dallas market where your child will interview alongside graduates from these higher-performing schools. The $49,400 estimate sits squarely in the middle of the pack, which means neither exceptional value nor obvious risk.
The reasonable debt load is the silver lining. If your child is drawn to DBU for its faith-based mission or campus community, the financial fundamentals won't derail their early career. But if accounting is purely a career calculation, recognize that peer programs in Texas suggest this won't fast-track them to the higher-earning opportunities that accounting—unlike many fields—can reliably deliver through top programs.
Where Dallas Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,140 | $49,406* | — | $22,759* | — | |
| $57,220 | $72,031* | $78,532 | $17,778* | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $68,643* | $77,801 | $15,850* | 0.23 | |
| $54,844 | $68,187* | $80,617 | $20,500* | 0.30 | |
| $11,678 | $68,082* | $78,482 | $19,462* | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $67,186* | $84,502 | $17,641* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Dallas Baptist University, approximately 24% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 43 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.