Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β see details below.
Analysis
Accounting programs in Texas span a wide range, from elite privates launching graduates into $70,000+ first-year salaries to regional options clustered around the $49,000 state median. Houston Christian sits squarely in this middle tier, with estimated first-year earnings matching the state median and fourth-year earnings of $69,175 that suggest steady progression toward those top-program benchmarks.
The $27,500 debt load runs slightly above both state and national medians for accounting programs, but remains manageable at 0.56 times estimated first-year earningsβwell below the 1.0 threshold where debt becomes burdensome. By year four, when most graduates reach $69,000, this debt represents just 40% of annual income. For a private university serving a majority Pell-eligible population, these debt levels suggest reasonable financial aid support.
The key uncertainty here is how Houston Christian's specific graduates perform relative to the state median used for estimation. Accounting is a profession where credentials matter more than pedigreeβCPAs from this program compete on equal footing once licensedβbut the gap between comparable programs ($49,000) and Texas's elite accounting schools ($68,000+) is substantial. If your student thrives in Houston Christian's environment and values its mission, the debt burden won't derail their career. But families chasing maximum ROI should recognize they're banking on estimated outcomes from peer programs, not proven results from this specific school.
Where Houston Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Christian University | β | $69,175 | β |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | +26% |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | +18% |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | +9% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,100 | $49,406* | $69,175 | $27,500 | β | |
| $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 | β | $53,694* | β | $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
Explore Related Programs
Accounting in Texas
- Texas Christian University$72,031
- Southern Methodist University$68,643
- Baylor University$68,187
- The University of Texas at Austin$68,082
- Texas A&M University-College Station$67,186
Explore further
- All Programs covering the principles and practices of managing organizations, finances, and markets. Includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and specialized fields like supply chain and real estate. programs nationwide
- All programs at Houston Christian University
- College programs in Texas
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 Houston Christian University, approximately 54% 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.