Business/Commerce at Southwestern University

Southwestern University's business program stands out for something unusual: graduates who start modestly actually see their careers accelerate significantly. First-year earnings of $47,056 jump 62% to $76,367 by year four—the kind of trajectory that suggests employers increasingly value these graduates as they prove themselves. Among Texas business programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile despite the school's selective 39% admission rate and strong academics (1269 average SAT), suggesting graduates may land at smaller employers initially but advance quickly.

The $25,475 median debt loads students with roughly half their first-year salary, which is manageable but becomes quite comfortable as earnings climb. Compare this to UT Austin's $94,000 first-year figure—Southwestern graduates start earning about half that amount but close much of the gap by year four. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes vary, but the growth pattern appears consistent.

For families weighing this program, the question is whether starting below Texas peers is acceptable in exchange for strong upward momentum. If your student thrives in smaller liberal arts environments and you're comfortable with a slower launch, the four-year earnings suggest patience pays off. If immediate earning power matters more—say, for supporting family or paying down debt quickly—programs with higher starting salaries might better fit your needs.