Est. Earnings (1yr)
$44,084
Est. from TX median (69 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from TX median (31 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
McMurry UniversityAbilene$31,372$44,084*$26,000*
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$71,984*$93,488$25,000*0.35
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$66,289*$79,482$20,750*0.31
LeTourneau UniversityLongview$35,500$65,144*$63,561$39,668*0.61
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$63,438*$69,489$22,866*0.36
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$60,659*$105,314$19,500*0.32
National Median$45,703*$26,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.