Finance and Financial Management Services at Texas Christian University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
TCU's finance program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $78,453—nearly 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 0.25—meaning 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Christian University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas Christian University graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
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
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 |
| Baylor University | $67,909 | $86,622 | $23,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $83,159 | $19,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $81,844 | $20,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $71,409 | $16,880 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $70,963 | $48,469 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $67,909 | $23,000 |
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.