Analysis
McMurry's business program sits squarely at the median for Texas bachelor's degrees in this field, with estimated first-year earnings around $44,000—identical to the state average but trailing top programs by significant margins. The estimated $26,000 in debt equals the national median for business degrees but runs slightly higher than Texas's typical $24,250, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that's manageable but not exceptional. For a school serving a student body where 45% receive Pell grants, these numbers suggest the program delivers accessibility without a clear earnings premium.
The gap between McMurry's projected outcomes and Texas's leading business schools is substantial—graduates from UT Austin or TCU earn 50-60% more in their first year. While those elite programs aren't direct competitors for most McMurry students, the comparison matters because employers in Texas cities draw from this wider pool. The practical question is whether McMurry's business degree opens similar doors at a lower credential cost, or whether starting earnings remain compressed long-term.
For families evaluating this investment, the estimated figures suggest a conventional risk-reward profile: debt that's payable within two years of earnings, but no standout advantage that would justify choosing McMurry over other regional options. Given the data limitations here, asking the school directly about recent graduate placement rates and employer relationships would clarify whether these estimates capture the full picture.
Where McMurry University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (94 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,372 | $44,084* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $57,220 | $71,984* | $93,488 | $25,000* | 0.35 | |
| $11,678 | $66,289* | $79,482 | $20,750* | 0.31 | |
| $35,500 | $65,144* | $63,561 | $39,668* | 0.61 | |
| $54,844 | $63,438* | $69,489 | $22,866* | 0.36 | |
| $64,460 | $60,659* | $105,314 | $19,500* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $45,703* | — | $26,000* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 McMurry University, approximately 45% 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 69 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.