Business/Commerce at Lamar University

Lamar's business graduates start at $37,280—well below both the national median ($47,506) and the Texas median ($45,899)—but the story gets more interesting over time. By year four, earnings jump 34% to nearly $50,000, surpassing the national benchmark and closing in on the state average. This earning trajectory suggests graduates land entry-level roles initially but gain traction as they build experience in the Southeast Texas job market.

The debt load of $29,057 is higher than both state and national medians for business programs, though the 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. Within Texas, this program ranks at just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of Texas business programs produce higher initial earnings. For context, UT Austin business graduates earn $94,000 right out of the gate, while even regional competitors like University of Houston-Clear Lake reach $56,500.

The core question: will your student stick it out through those lean early years? If they need immediate earning power or plan to compete for jobs in Dallas or Houston where other schools dominate recruiting, Lamar presents a financial handicap. But if they're planning to stay in Southeast Texas where Lamar's network is strongest and can weather a slower start, the later earnings growth offers some redemption. Just recognize that half of business programs nationwide deliver both higher starting salaries and less debt—this is a value play only if location or access matters most.