Human Resources Management and Services at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's HR program sits in an unusual position: despite the university's prestige and selectivity, comparable programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $48,500—below the national median and trailing several in-state competitors by $8,000 to $14,000. Baylor and UT San Antonio, both with reported outcomes, show significantly stronger earnings, raising questions about whether the flagship Austin campus translates to an advantage in the HR job market.

The estimated debt load of $22,150 is modest, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.46. That's the good news. But HR as a field typically requires more than a bachelor's degree for significant advancement, and starting nearly $10,000 behind Baylor graduates means catching up will take time. The quarter of students here on Pell grants should be particularly cautious—breaking into higher-paying corporate HR roles often depends on internship networks and connections that may matter more than the UT Austin name in this specific field.

If your child is set on HR at UT Austin, the reasonable debt burden means it won't be financially crippling. But peer programs in Texas are producing stronger outcomes, and at this price point, you'd expect the UT Austin brand to deliver more separation from the pack. Consider whether the broader university experience justifies what appears to be an earnings trade-off in this particular major.