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
Earnings Distribution
How Tarleton State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarleton State University | $49,471 | $59,606 | +20% |
| Baylor University | $74,886 | $90,608 | +21% |
| Southwestern University | $47,056 | $76,367 | +62% |
| Concordia University Texas | $60,641 | $71,368 | +18% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $56,494 | $70,808 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tarleton State UniversityStephenville | $7,878 | $49,471 | $59,606 | $20,896 | 0.42 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $94,041 | — | — | — |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $74,886 | $90,608 | $15,000 | 0.20 |
 Concordia University TexasAustin | $36,690 | $60,641 | $71,368 | $38,138 | 0.63 |
 DeVry University-TexasIrving | $17,488 | $57,020 | $56,664 | $47,236 | 0.83 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $56,494 | $70,808 | $23,766 | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.