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

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (33 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas Christian University$65,030
University of Houston$47,461$54,250$27,0000.57
The University of Texas at Austin$44,506$76,309$22,5000.51
Texas State University$44,396$54,246$24,3530.55
Sam Houston State University$39,959$40,083$29,0000.73
Baylor University$39,333$51,121$26,5000.67
National Median$33,563$26,8800.80

Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$47,461$27,000
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$44,506$22,500
Texas State University
San Marcos
$11,450$44,396$24,353
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
$9,228$39,959$29,000
Baylor University
Waco
$54,844$39,333$26,500

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 Texas Christian University, approximately 13% 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.