Accounting at Texas State University

Texas State's accounting program punches above its weight for an accessible state school. With 89% of applicants admitted and modest SAT scores, it's delivering graduates into the 60th percentile of Texas accounting programs—beating the state median by over $15,000 in first-year earnings. The $23,250 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The earnings trajectory looks solid, with 22% growth to $64,297 by year four, though that's still well below what the state's top-tier private universities achieve. TCU and SMU graduates earn $70,000+, but those programs come with steeper price tags and more selective admissions. For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable admissions standards, Texas State offers a practical path into accounting without the debt burden that often accompanies private alternatives.

The real value here is access: a third of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program serves middle- and lower-income families who need strong employment outcomes without gambling on excessive debt. An accounting graduate earning $52,610 in their first year can realistically manage their loan payments while building toward better mid-career earnings. If your child has solid but not exceptional stats and wants to work in Texas, this represents a financially sensible route into a stable profession.