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

Law professional's programs at peer institutions in Texas (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas at Austin$137,082
Southern Methodist University$101,456$120,122
University of Houston$88,163$107,620
Texas A&M University-College Station$75,674$83,359
South Texas College of Law Houston$73,069$90,663
Texas Tech University$72,448$95,229
National Median$67,512

Other Law Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southern Methodist University
Dallas
$64,460$101,456
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$88,163
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$75,674
South Texas College of Law Houston
Houston
$73,069
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
$11,852$72,448

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.