Analysis
Texas Tech's accounting program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that outpace 80% of Texas accounting programs despite the university's accessible 71% admission rate. That $63,059 starting salary sits $10,000 above the typical Texas accounting graduate and nearly $20,000 above the national medianβremarkable value for a program that doesn't require elite test scores to enter.
The financial picture looks particularly strong when you consider that students leave with just $21,673 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that most graduates can manage comfortably. Within four years, median earnings jump to $76,067, putting Texas Tech graduates within striking distance of peers from UT-Austin and Texas A&M while likely paying significantly less in tuition. The 21% earnings growth suggests this program builds skills that employers increasingly value.
For families balancing cost and outcomes, Texas Tech represents a smart middle ground: you're getting top-quintile results in Texas without the sticker price or admission pressure of schools like TCU or SMU. The large sample size confirms these aren't fluky numbersβthis program consistently delivers strong ROI for students willing to spend four years in Lubbock.
Where Texas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech 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 Tech University | $63,059 | $76,067 | +21% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | +26% |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | +18% |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | +9% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,852 | $63,059 | $76,067 | $21,673 | 0.34 | |
| $57,220 | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 | |
| $54,844 | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| $11,678 | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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 222 graduates with reported earnings and 226 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.