Economics at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's economics program launches graduates into solid starting salaries that accelerate quickly—first-year earnings of $58,717 jump to $81,620 by year four, a 39% increase that outpaces typical bachelor's degree trajectories. While Rice and SMU's economics programs show higher initial earnings, UT Austin's combination of strong outcomes and moderate debt ($21,125, slightly below the national median) delivers excellent value, particularly for in-state students paying significantly lower tuition than those private alternatives.

The program ranks in the 74th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Texas, which accurately reflects its position: clearly strong, though not quite elite when compared only to the state's top private universities. That state ranking shouldn't worry parents—it's pulled down by programs like Rice that serve a different market at triple the cost. What matters more is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years while building savings.

For families weighing UT Austin against other state schools or regional privates, this program offers a clear financial advantage. The four-year earnings growth suggests graduates are moving into analyst, consulting, and finance roles with real advancement potential. Combined with UT Austin's strong alumni network and the modest debt load, this represents a sound investment for students interested in economics careers.