Accounting at Texas Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
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 median—remarkable 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 numbers—this 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas Tech University graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $63,059 | $76,067 | $21,673 | 0.34 |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 |
| Southern Methodist University | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $72,031 | $17,778 |
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $68,643 | $15,850 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $68,187 | $20,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $68,082 | $19,462 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $67,186 | $17,641 |
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.