Business/Commerce at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Texas A&M-San Antonio's business program performs better against Texas schools than the national average suggests—graduating in the 60th percentile statewide versus the 45th percentile nationally. For families prioritizing affordability and in-state options, this matters. First-year graduates earn $46,676, just slightly below the Texas median of $45,899, while carrying $23,217 in debt—about $2,000 less than typical Texas business graduates. The 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means students owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable figure that many can pay down within a few years of graduation.

The reality check: these earnings sit well below what UT Austin ($94,041) or Baylor ($74,886) graduates command, but those schools serve different markets with far more competitive admissions. With a 92% acceptance rate and over half of students receiving Pell grants, Texas A&M-San Antonio serves primarily first-generation and working-class students who need accessible education. For these families, the question isn't whether their child could earn more at UT Austin—it's whether this program offers solid mobility without crushing debt.

The answer appears to be yes, with one caveat: business degrees reward hustle and networking as much as the diploma itself. Students who leverage internships and build connections can outperform these medians, while those who simply collect credits may struggle. The debt load won't sink anyone, but career outcomes will depend heavily on what students do beyond the classroom.