Business/Managerial Economics at Stephen F Austin State University

Similar business economics programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $54,000—right at the state median—paired with an estimated $18,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is actually favorable compared to the national median for this field, where graduates typically owe closer to $22,000. With Stephen F Austin's 37% Pell grant population, keeping debt lower than typical peer programs matters considerably for students from working-class families.

The challenge is uncertainty. These estimates come from just five comparable Texas programs because the actual graduate sample here was too small to report. That could signal either a newer program still building enrollment or simply a small cohort in a given year. Either way, you're making decisions with limited visibility into how *this specific program* performs. The national data shows wide variation—top programs hit $60,000 while others land in the mid-$40s—and you won't know where Stephen F Austin truly falls until more graduates enter the workforce.

For families considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest manageable debt for a business degree. But with an 88% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores, much depends on what your child brings to the table: internship hustle, network building, and career planning matter as much as the credential itself. If they're targeting corporate finance or strategic roles, compare closely with programs that have proven track records.