Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,306
48th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$20,500
21% below national median

Analysis

Texas State's business program delivers solid value through a combination of lower debt and steady earnings growth. With graduates owing just $20,500 compared to the national median of $26,000, students here take on significantly less financial risk while still achieving earnings that outpace most Texas business programs. At the 60th percentile among Texas schools, this program performs better than the majority of in-state competitors while keeping debt well below the state median of $24,250.

The earnings trajectory shows why this program works for many students. Starting salaries of $45,306 grow to $57,305 by year fourโ€”a healthy 27% increase that demonstrates career mobility. While top-tier Texas programs like UT Austin and TCU produce higher starting salaries, they typically come with substantially more debt and admission uncertainty. Texas State's 89% admission rate means most qualified students can access this program.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 puts graduates in a manageable financial position from day one. For families seeking a business degree that balances cost, accessibility, and career outcomes, Texas State offers a practical path to the middle class without the financial strain of elite alternatives. This is particularly compelling for in-state students who can leverage Texas's strong job market while avoiding excessive debt loads.

Where Texas State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Texas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Texas State University$45,306$57,305+26%
Southern Methodist University$60,659$105,314+74%
Texas Christian University$71,984$93,488+30%
The University of Texas at Austin$66,289$79,482+20%
Texas A&M University-College Station$59,306$73,138+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (94 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$11,450$45,306$57,305$20,5000.45
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$71,984$93,488$25,0000.35
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$66,289$79,482$20,7500.31
LeTourneau UniversityLongview$35,500$65,144$63,561$39,6680.61
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$63,438$69,489$22,8660.36
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$60,659$105,314$19,5000.32
National Medianโ€”$45,703โ€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/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 State University, approximately 36% 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 525 graduates with reported earnings and 509 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.