Analysis
TCU's finance program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $78,453βnearly 50% higher than the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile among all finance programs nationwide. In Texas specifically, this places TCU in the 80th percentile, trailing only powerhouses like SMU and UT Austin while significantly outperforming the state median of $52,581. The $19,500 median debt keeps the program accessible, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25βmeaning graduates typically owe less than three months of their first year's salary.
The 16% earnings growth to $90,933 by year four suggests graduates are building solid career momentum, not just landing well-paid entry-level positions. While the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary, the consistent performance relative to both national and state benchmarks indicates reliable value delivery. TCU's 43% admission rate makes this far more accessible than similarly-performing programs at UT Austin or SMU, both of which are considerably more selective.
For families weighing TCU's private school tuition against public alternatives, these numbers justify the premium. You're getting near-elite outcomes without the brutal competition of top-tier programs, and the debt burden remains manageable enough that graduates have genuine financial flexibility in their early careers.
Where Texas Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Christian 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | +16% |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | +37% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | +17% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | +27% |
| Baylor University | $67,909 | $86,622 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $57,220 | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 | |
| $11,678 | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 | |
| $13,099 | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 | |
| β | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 | |
| $54,844 | $67,909 | $86,622 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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.
Sample Size: Based on 92 graduates with reported earnings and 88 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.