Analysis
UT Dallas accounting graduates earn $66,300 four years after graduation—outperforming both the national median ($53,694) and Texas median ($49,406) by substantial margins. This 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs is particularly noteworthy given the state's competitive accounting market, and the $21,500 median debt sits below typical borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates owe less than five months of their starting salary, creating breathing room for other financial goals early in their careers.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, with graduates seeing a 17% increase from year one to year four. While UT Dallas grads don't quite reach the compensation levels of peers from TCU or UT Austin (who start around $68,000-$72,000), they're achieving strong outcomes at what's likely a lower total cost of attendance. The program's robust sample size reinforces these aren't fluky results—this is consistent performance.
For families considering a practical business degree with clear career pathways, UT Dallas accounting delivers solid value. Your child would enter the workforce with manageable debt and earnings that exceed most accounting programs nationwide, positioning them well whether they pursue public accounting, corporate finance, or other business roles in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Where The University of Texas at Dallas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Dallas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $56,684 | $66,300 | +17% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | +26% |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | +18% |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | +9% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,564 | $56,684 | $66,300 | $21,500 | 0.38 | |
| $57,220 | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 | |
| $54,844 | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| $11,678 | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Dallas, approximately 30% 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 180 graduates with reported earnings and 249 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.