Analysis
TCU's real estate program launches graduates into notably higher earnings than most alternatives, even within Texas's competitive market. First-year earnings of $68,246 exceed the state median by $17,000 and rank in the 80th percentile among Texas real estate programs—putting it behind only Baylor while commanding a significant premium over public options like UNT and UT San Antonio. By year four, earnings jump to $104,549, suggesting graduates move quickly into lucrative brokerage or development roles.
The $24,282 debt load sits slightly above state and national medians but translates to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates would need just over four months of their first-year salary to pay it off. That's a reasonable price for the career acceleration TCU appears to provide, likely reflecting the value of its Dallas-Fort Worth network connections in one of the nation's hottest real estate markets.
The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these outcomes may not be representative of every student's experience. Individual results will vary more than usual. For families confident their child will leverage TCU's real estate connections and thrive in a sales-driven field, the investment looks solid. The combination of strong initial placement and impressive income growth suggests the program delivers real value beyond the degree itself.
Where Texas Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate 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 | $68,246 | $104,549 | +53% |
| Villanova University | $75,702 | $101,813 | +34% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $73,239 | $100,995 | +38% |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $41,965 | $60,856 | +45% |
| University of North Texas | $44,124 | $60,472 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Real Estate bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth | $57,220 | $68,246 | $104,549 | $24,282 | 0.36 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $57,834 | — | $20,530 | 0.35 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $44,124 | $60,472 | $15,251 | 0.35 |
 The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio | $8,991 | $41,965 | $60,856 | $21,485 | 0.51 |
| National Median | — | $54,665 | — | $21,126 | 0.39 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with real estate graduates
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Real Estate Brokers
Real Estate Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.