Analysis
UTA's education graduates earn $57,410 in their first year—nearly $8,000 more than the Texas median and $19,000 above the national average for education majors. While this places them at the 60th percentile within Texas (a state with particularly strong education earnings), it's the 95th percentile nationally. Graduates leave with just $13,250 in debt, roughly half the state median and less than half the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23—meaning first-year salary covers debt more than four times over.
For a program at an accessible university (81% admission rate, serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients), these outcomes are remarkable. Education majors often face financial strain elsewhere, but UTA's combination of strong local district partnerships and modest debt burden creates an unusually favorable start. The higher earnings likely reflect Arlington's position in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where suburban districts compete for teachers with better compensation packages.
This is one of the most financially sound paths into teaching you'll find. Your child would enter the profession with minimal debt while earning substantially more than most new teachers nationally, giving them genuine financial stability rather than the paycheck-to-paycheck reality many educators face.
Where The University of Texas at Arlington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Arlington graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,728 | $57,410 | — | $13,250 | 0.23 | |
| $51,058 | $50,984 | — | — | — | |
| $18,610 | $47,921 | $42,725 | $27,500 | 0.57 | |
| $24,588 | $45,551 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.