Analysis
Sam Houston State's business program produces graduates who earn slightly below both national and Texas averages, with first-year earnings of $44,700 compared to the national median of $47,506 and Texas median of $45,899. Among Texas business programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a state with 41 competing programs, though well behind top performers like UT Austin ($94,041) and Baylor ($74,886).
The debt picture offers some reassurance, with graduates owing $26,641 at completion—close to both national and state medians. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60, meaning students can expect to owe about seven months of their first-year salary. Earnings do grow steadily, reaching $51,512 by year four, representing solid 15% growth that helps improve the long-term financial outlook.
For families seeking an accessible business education—Sam Houston admits 85% of applicants and serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients—this program delivers reasonable value without excessive debt burden. While graduates won't command premium salaries immediately, the combination of moderate debt and steady earnings growth makes this a financially sound choice for students who prioritize affordability and career stability over maximizing early earnings potential.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University | $44,700 | $51,512 | +15% |
| Baylor University | $74,886 | $90,608 | +21% |
| Southwestern University | $47,056 | $76,367 | +62% |
| Concordia University Texas | $60,641 | $71,368 | +18% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $56,494 | $70,808 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $44,700 | $51,512 | $26,641 | 0.60 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $94,041 | — | — | — |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $74,886 | $90,608 | $15,000 | 0.20 |
 Concordia University TexasAustin | $36,690 | $60,641 | $71,368 | $38,138 | 0.63 |
 DeVry University-TexasIrving | $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $56,494 | $70,808 | $23,766 | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Sam Houston 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.
Sample Size: Based on 332 graduates with reported earnings and 348 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.