Business/Commerce at Tarleton State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Tarleton State delivers something surprisingly rare for an open-access institution: business graduates who out-earn 60% of their Texas peers while carrying 17% less debt than the state median. With first-year earnings of $49,471 and just $20,896 in typical debt, graduates reach a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—well below concerning territory.
The earnings trajectory looks healthy too, with graduates seeing 21% income growth by year four to reach nearly $60,000. That's solid momentum for a program at a school with a 94% admission rate. While top Texas programs like UT Austin ($94,041) and Baylor ($74,886) produce higher earners, they also draw from more competitive applicant pools and typically come with steeper price tags. For families seeking a business degree without gambling on selective admissions or crushing debt loads, Tarleton represents a practical middle path.
The combination of below-average debt and above-average state earnings creates real financial breathing room after graduation. This program won't launch graduates into elite corporate roles, but it delivers workforce-ready business skills with minimal financial burden—exactly what many families need from a state university.
Where Tarleton State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Tarleton State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Tarleton State University graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarleton State University | $49,471 | $59,606 | $20,896 | 0.42 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $94,041 | — | — | — |
| Baylor University | $74,886 | $90,608 | $15,000 | 0.20 |
| Concordia University Texas | $60,641 | $71,368 | $38,138 | 0.63 |
| DeVry University-Texas | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $56,494 | $70,808 | $23,766 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $94,041 | — |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $74,886 | $15,000 |
| Concordia University Texas Austin | $36,690 | $60,641 | $38,138 |
| DeVry University-Texas Irving | $17,488 | $57,020 | $47,236 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $56,494 | $23,766 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tarleton State University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 216 graduates with reported earnings and 232 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.