Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$49,406
Est. from TX median (43 programs)
Median DebtReported
$27,500
10% above national median

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 earningsβ€”well 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 pedigreeβ€”CPAs from this program compete on equal footing once licensedβ€”but 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Houston Christian Universityβ€”$69,175β€”
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Houston Christian UniversityHouston$38,100$49,406*$69,175$27,500β€”
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$72,031*$78,532$17,7780.25
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$68,643*$77,801$15,8500.23
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$68,187*$80,617$20,5000.30
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$68,082*$78,482$19,4620.29
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$67,186*$84,502$17,6410.26
National Medianβ€”$53,694*β€”$25,0000.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Explore Related Programs

Accounting in Texas

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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.