Est. Earnings (1yr)
$52,581
Est. from TX median (40 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,500
Est. from TX median (28 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $21,500 for estimated first-year earnings of $52,581 creates a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio—comfortable by most standards. However, these figures come from comparable finance programs across Texas rather than Texas Southmost's actual graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education doesn't publish due to small sample sizes. The earnings estimate aligns almost exactly with the Texas median for finance bachelor's programs, suggesting typical regional performance rather than standout results.

The comparison to top Texas programs reveals a significant earnings gap. Elite schools like SMU and UT Austin place graduates 50-60% higher, which compounds over a career. Yet Texas Southmost serves a different population—31% of students receive Pell grants—and the estimated debt burden is notably lower than what flagship programs typically carry. For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable starting salaries, this math works. For those eyeing competitive corporate finance roles or banking positions where pedigree matters, the estimated outcomes suggest limitations.

The fundamental uncertainty here is whether Texas Southmost's actual graduates perform at, above, or below the Texas median used for these estimates. Without program-specific data, you're betting on typical regional outcomes from a school that may or may not deliver them. If your child is debt-averse and content with solid middle-market opportunities in South Texas, the estimated numbers pencil out. If they're aiming for high finance, the top-tier programs show what's possible elsewhere.

Where Texas Southmost College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Texas Southmost CollegeBrownsville$3,148$52,581*$21,500*
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$83,159*$113,839$19,500*0.23
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$81,844*$95,994$20,500*0.25
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$78,453*$90,933$19,500*0.25
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$71,409*$90,976$16,880*0.24
University of Phoenix-TexasDallas$70,963*$59,017$48,469*0.68
National Median$53,590*$23,332*0.44
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Southmost College, approximately 31% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 40 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.