Finance and Financial Management Services at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's finance program punches well above its weight when you consider the cost. At $20,500 in median debt—about $3,000 less than the state average—graduates land first-year earnings of $81,844, which places them in the 95th percentile both nationally and among Texas programs. That's $29,000 more than the typical Texas finance graduate earns. Only SMU edges ahead in the state, and that comes with significantly higher tuition and likely more debt.

The earnings trajectory is equally solid: graduates see 17% growth to nearly $96,000 by year four, suggesting these students are landing roles with genuine advancement potential rather than hitting early ceilings. The 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio means the typical graduate could theoretically pay off their loans in three months of gross salary—a remarkably efficient value proposition for a selective public university.

Given UT Austin's 29% admission rate and strong academic profile, this data suggests the program delivers on its reputation. For families weighing private alternatives like SMU or TCU, the earnings gap is minimal while the debt advantage could be substantial. This is exactly what a flagship state university should deliver: elite-level outcomes at a fraction of the cost.