Business Administration, Management and Operations at Huston-Tillotson University

The $45,500 debt load at Huston-Tillotson ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of business programs leave graduates with less debt. Combined with first-year earnings around $44,000 (based on what similar Texas business programs produce), this creates a nearly 1-to-1 debt-to-earnings ratio that demands careful consideration. While the earnings align with typical outcomes for business bachelor's programs statewide, the debt is nearly double Texas's median of $24,250 for this field.

This gap is particularly concerning given that 62% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families with limited financial cushion. Peer programs across Texas suggest business graduates can expect around $44,000 in that first year, but carrying $45,500 in debt on that salary leaves little room for the unexpected expenses that often hit recent graduates. The state's top business programs—UT Austin, TCU, Baylor—produce significantly higher earnings ($60,000-$72,000), though they may come with different debt profiles and admission requirements.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether Huston-Tillotson's specific offerings—its location in Austin's business community, smaller class sizes, or other support services—justify debt levels that far exceed what's typical for Texas business programs. If similar outcomes are available elsewhere at half the debt, that becomes the comparison point that matters most.