Accounting at Saint Edward's University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Saint Edward's accounting graduates earn nearly 50% more than the typical Texas accounting grad—$59,382 versus the state median of $49,406. That's a substantial premium that puts the program in the 60th percentile statewide, impressive for a school with an 84% admission rate. Four years out, graduates see healthy progression to $73,274, approaching what elite Texas programs deliver initially. The $25,000 debt burden matches the national median but runs slightly higher than Texas norms, though the 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable.
The catch: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual circumstances could skew these figures significantly. Still, the earnings pattern suggests something working well here—perhaps Saint Edward's Austin location and connections to the city's growing corporate scene, or effective career services for accounting majors specifically. The school serves a substantial first-generation population (39% Pell recipients), making these outcomes particularly noteworthy.
For parents weighing cost against return, Saint Edward's delivers competitive accounting preparation at a fraction of what top-tier Texas privates charge, with outcomes that rival larger state flagships. The small cohort size means you'll want to dig into job placement specifics during a campus visit, but the earnings advantage over most Texas programs is real enough to warrant serious consideration.
Where Saint Edward's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Edward's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Saint Edward's University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Edward's University | $59,382 | $73,274 | $25,000 | 0.42 |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 |
| Southern Methodist University | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $72,031 | $17,778 |
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $68,643 | $15,850 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $68,187 | $20,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $68,082 | $19,462 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $67,186 | $17,641 |
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 Saint Edward's University, approximately 39% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.