Finance and Financial Management Services at The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UT Dallas finance graduates earn significantly more than their peers across Texas ($72,322 vs. $52,581 state median after four years) while carrying notably less debt ($19,500 vs. $22,500 state median). This combination—beating 84% of finance programs nationally and 60% within Texas on earnings—makes it a standout value among the state's public universities. Yes, SMU and UT Austin grads earn more initially, but they're also likely paying far steeper tuition bills and dealing with higher debt loads for that premium.
The debt picture here is particularly compelling. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary. That's manageable repayment territory, especially as earnings grow 14% by year four. For families weighing the traditional prestige schools against practical outcomes, UT Dallas delivers strong placement at a fraction of the financial risk.
The bottom line: Your child gets access to Dallas-Fort Worth's robust financial services market with credentials that clearly open doors, without the debt burden that can limit early-career choices. Among Texas public universities offering finance degrees, this represents one of the better risk-adjusted investments available.
Where The University of Texas at Dallas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Dallas graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
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
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $63,455 | $72,322 | $19,500 | 0.31 |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $83,159 | $19,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $81,844 | $20,500 |
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $78,453 | $19,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $71,409 | $16,880 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $70,963 | $48,469 |
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 227 graduates with reported earnings and 200 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.