Analysis
Similar business economics programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $54,000 for this degree—solidly in line with the national median—but Sam Houston's actual four-year earnings data reveals a troubling decline to $41,387. That backward trajectory is unusual for business programs, which typically show steady salary growth as graduates gain experience and move into management roles.
The $19,841 debt load sits slightly above the Texas median but remains manageable relative to that estimated first-year figure (a 0.37 ratio). The real concern is whether earnings actually follow the pattern of peer programs or track closer to that lower four-year number. For comparison, Baylor graduates earn $60,575 in year one, while UT-San Antonio's $44,424 is closer to what this program's graduates report after four years—suggesting Sam Houston students may face a more challenging earnings path despite similar credentials.
Given that 40% of students here receive Pell grants, the stakes for getting this wrong are high. If the actual trajectory resembles that four-year number more than the estimated first-year figure, families should expect slower financial returns than comparable Texas programs deliver. The safest assumption: plan for earnings closer to the mid-$40,000s and be pleasantly surprised if outcomes match stronger peers like UNT or UT-Arlington.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's 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 | — | $41,387 | — |
| University of North Texas | $54,058 | $82,643 | +53% |
| Baylor University | $60,575 | $78,948 | +30% |
| Texas State University | $49,831 | $65,481 | +31% |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $44,424 | $49,224 | +11% |
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $53,984* | $41,387 | $19,841 | — |
 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 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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.
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.