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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,148 | $52,581* | — | $21,500* | — | |
| $64,460 | $83,159* | $113,839 | $19,500* | 0.23 | |
| $11,678 | $81,844* | $95,994 | $20,500* | 0.25 | |
| $57,220 | $78,453* | $90,933 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $13,099 | $71,409* | $90,976 | $16,880* | 0.24 | |
| — | $70,963* | $59,017 | $48,469* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $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 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.