Business/Commerce at St. Mary's University

A debt load near $29,000 against first-year earnings in the mid-$40,000s creates a manageable starting point for St. Mary's business graduates, though these figures are estimated from comparable Texas programs rather than this school's actual outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 sits comfortably below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome, and similar business programs across Texas typically produce earnings that align with the $45,899 estimate used here.

What's harder to ignore is the performance gap between St. Mary's estimated outcomes and top business programs in the state. UT Austin grads start around $94,000—more than double the projected figure here—while even mid-tier alternatives like Concordia Texas and University of Houston-Clear Lake show earnings $15,000-$20,000 higher. With an 89% admission rate and test scores well below selective competitors, St. Mary's serves a different student population, but the earnings differential suggests employers may value the brand recognition of better-known programs.

The key question is whether St. Mary's specific advantages—smaller classes, the San Antonio network, or particular industry connections—can close that gap for your child. Since the earnings data here is borrowed from peer programs rather than verified outcomes from St. Mary's alumni, you'll want to ask the school directly about placement rates and starting salaries for recent business grads before committing to this path.