Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,984
Est. from TX median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,246
Est. from TX median (5 programs)

Analysis

Looking at peer business economics programs across Texas, graduates typically earn around $54,000 in their first year—a solid starting point that matches both state and national benchmarks for this field. The estimated debt of roughly $18,000 represents less than four months of that first-year salary, creating a manageable financial foundation that compares favorably to the national median of $22,250 for similar degrees.

With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, Midwestern State serves a substantial population of lower-income students who often need their degree investment to pay off quickly. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests this program could deliver on that promise, though it's worth noting these figures come from similar Texas programs rather than tracked outcomes from Midwestern State's own graduates. The school's 87% admission rate means accessibility, but parents should probe what support systems exist to ensure their student actually completes the degree—unfinished credentials leave families with debt but no earnings boost.

The real question is differentiation. While comparable programs show relatively consistent outcomes across Texas institutions, families are making this choice without school-specific data to confirm whether Midwestern State's particular approach matches, exceeds, or falls short of the peer average. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but speaking directly with recent alumni about their actual job placements would help validate whether this program delivers the typical Texas outcome or something different.

Where Midwestern State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (22 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls$10,310$53,984*$18,246*
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$60,575*$78,948$22,500*0.37
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$54,058*$82,643$14,125*0.26
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$53,984*$16,063*0.30
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$11,450$49,831*$65,481$23,125*0.46
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$44,424*$49,224$18,246*0.41
National Median$53,219*$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master'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

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master'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 Midwestern State University, approximately 40% 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 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.