Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Austin's Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies program stands out for its strong earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While graduates begin at $37,046—well above both the national and Texas medians for this field—what's more impressive is the 33% jump to $49,258 by year four. This acceleration suggests graduates are building marketable skills that employers increasingly value with experience, a pattern you don't always see in humanities-adjacent programs.
The debt picture reinforces this as a solid choice. At $26,000, graduates owe slightly more than the national median but land in the 27th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 73% of programs leave students with heavier loans. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable territory, and it improves substantially as earnings grow. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools, beating out the state median by over $6,700 in first-year earnings.
For families worried about liberal arts programs, this one delivers measurable financial outcomes. The moderate sample size means year-to-year variations are possible, but the combination of above-average starting pay, strong growth, and reasonable debt makes it a defensible choice for students genuinely interested in this field. UT Austin's brand and network appear to translate into real earning power here.
Where The University of Texas at Austin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies 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 Austin graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies 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
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | $37,046 | $49,258 | $26,000 | 0.70 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $23,604 | — | $13,000 | 0.55 |
| National Median | $31,459 | — | $23,000 | 0.73 |
Other Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg | $9,859 | $23,604 | $13,000 |
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 Austin, approximately 25% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.