Finance and Financial Management Services at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State's finance program occupies a practical middle ground in Texas's competitive finance education landscape. Graduates earn $53,281 initially and $61,212 by year four—figures that trail elite private universities like SMU ($83,159) but exceed the Texas median by $700. More importantly, this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it outperforms most Texas finance programs despite Sam Houston's accessible 85% admission rate and moderate SAT profile. The 15% earnings growth over four years shows graduates build momentum after entry-level positions.

The financial equation works strongly in students' favor here. With median debt of just $27,253—lower than 95% of finance programs nationally—graduates face a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio. A typical monthly payment would consume roughly 6% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle flexibility that peers at higher-debt institutions won't enjoy. For context, many Texas finance programs saddle students with $5,000-$10,000 more debt for similar or lower earnings.

This program makes sense for students seeking solid finance credentials without gambling on admission to UT Austin or paying private school premiums. You're trading the ceiling of elite Dallas or Austin networks for predictable outcomes and financial breathing room after graduation. The value proposition is straightforward: mid-market earnings at budget-friendly debt levels, particularly appealing for the 40% of students here receiving Pell grants who need career advancement without crushing repayment burdens.