Business/Managerial Economics at Tarleton State University

Similar Business/Managerial Economics programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $54,000—right at the state median and virtually matching the national benchmark of $53,219. For Tarleton State, where 37% of students receive Pell grants and the admission rate sits at 94%, this represents solid income potential for students who might be first-generation college attendees or come from working-class backgrounds. The estimated debt load of $18,246 based on comparable programs at similar Texas institutions creates a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning monthly payments would consume roughly one month's gross income over a standard 10-year repayment period.

The challenge with Tarleton's program is that we're working entirely with estimates—neither earnings nor debt figures are reported because too few graduates participated in the federal data collection. What peer programs suggest is encouraging: this debt level would be below both state and national medians for the major, while earnings track closely with programs at much larger universities like UT Arlington and UNT. Still, parents should recognize they're making this decision without seeing actual outcomes from Tarleton graduates specifically.

The practical takeaway: if your child can complete this degree near the estimated $18,000 debt level, the economics look reasonable based on what similar Texas programs deliver. But confirm current costs directly with the school, and understand you're relying on proxy data rather than a proven track record for this specific program.