Location: Richardson, TX•In-State Tuition: $14,564•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,064•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1300
Median Earnings (1yr)
$63,455
84th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$19,500
16% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.31 ManageableSample: 227 graduates

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

The University of Texas at DallasOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How The University of Texas at Dallas graduates compare to all programs nationally

The University of Texas at Dallas earns $63k — 84th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
The University of Texas at Dallas$63,455$72,322+14%
Southern Methodist University$83,159$113,839+37%
The University of Texas at Austin$81,844$95,994+17%
Texas A&M University-College Station$71,409$90,976+27%
Texas Christian University$78,453$90,933+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson$14,564$63,455$72,322$19,5000.31
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$83,159$113,839$19,5000.23
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$81,844$95,994$20,5000.25
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$78,453$90,933$19,5000.25
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$71,409$90,976$16,8800.24
University of Phoenix-TexasDallas—$70,963$59,017$48,4690.68
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services 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

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/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

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:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.