Business Administration, Management and Operations at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State's business program delivers solid starter-career earnings at $49,353—beating both the state median ($44,084) and national median ($45,703) by comfortable margins. At 60th percentile among Texas business programs, this puts graduates ahead of most peers while keeping debt reasonable at $23,472. The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates earn roughly twice what they owe, a manageable starting point for loan repayment.

The challenge surfaces over time: four years out, earnings edge up just 4% to $51,321. While Texas's business landscape includes elite programs at UT Austin and TCU pulling six-figure salaries by mid-career, those come with steeper price tags and tougher admissions. Tarleton's accessible 94% admission rate and lower debt load create a different value equation—graduates enter the workforce with less financial burden but potentially slower earning trajectories.

For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this program works. Your child graduates with below-average debt, above-average starting earnings for Texas, and immediate employability. The tradeoff is modest income growth in early career years, which means initial job choice and industry matter more here than at higher-powered programs. If steady employment with manageable debt beats the risk-reward of more expensive alternatives, Tarleton delivers on that promise.