Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,684
61st percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$21,500
14% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$56,684$66,300$21,5000.38
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$72,031$78,532$17,7780.25
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$68,643$77,801$15,8500.23
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$68,187$80,617$20,5000.30
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$68,082$78,482$19,4620.29
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$67,186$84,502$17,6410.26
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.