Business/Managerial Economics at The University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UTA's Business/Managerial Economics program matches the Texas median for earnings ($53,984 first-year salary), placing it in the 60th percentile among state programs—slightly ahead of most Texas competitors. The real story here is the debt picture: at just $16,063, graduates carry significantly less debt than the national median ($22,250) and state median ($19,044), ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. This combination produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, meaning graduates owe roughly 3-4 months of their first-year salary.
For families weighing this against alternatives like Baylor (higher earnings at $60,575 but likely higher costs) or UT San Antonio (lower earnings at $44,424), UTA offers a middle ground with notably lower debt burden. The 81% admission rate and 40% Pell grant population suggest this program serves a broad range of students while delivering competitive outcomes. Earnings roughly match the national median for business economics programs ($53,219), so graduates aren't sacrificing income potential despite the lower sticker price.
The value proposition is straightforward: your child graduates with manageable debt and earnings on par with what this degree typically commands. In a field where excessive student loans can undermine the financial benefits of the degree itself, UTA keeps the debt side of the equation firmly under control.
Where The University of Texas at Arlington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics 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 The University of Texas at Arlington graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all business/managerial economics bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $53,984 | — | $16,063 | 0.30 |
| Baylor University | $60,575 | $78,948 | $22,500 | 0.37 |
| University of North Texas | $54,058 | $82,643 | $14,125 | 0.26 |
| Texas State University | $49,831 | $65,481 | $23,125 | 0.46 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $44,424 | $49,224 | $18,246 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Other Business/Managerial Economics Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $60,575 | $22,500 |
| University of North Texas Denton | $11,164 | $54,058 | $14,125 |
| Texas State University San Marcos | $11,450 | $49,831 | $23,125 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio | $8,991 | $44,424 | $18,246 |
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 The University of Texas at Arlington, approximately 40% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.