Analysis
UTSA's accounting program delivers stronger returns than most Texas competitors while keeping debt manageable. At $62,423 four years out, graduates earn 26% more than the Texas median for accounting programsβplacing this in the 60th percentile statewide despite UTSA's open-admission model and $1,102 average SAT. That's particularly impressive given the school serves a heavily first-generation population (42% Pell recipients), demonstrating the program punches well above its institutional profile.
The debt picture strengthens the value case. Graduates leave with $20,647 in loans, about $4,600 below the state median and roughly $4,350 below the national average. With a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, students reach the four-year mark owing just one-third of their annual salaryβa comfortable position for new accountants building careers. The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain traction in the field rather than plateau early.
Yes, UT Austin and private schools like TCU push starting salaries into the high $60Ks, but they come with steeper tuition and tougher admission standards. For families seeking accessible accounting credentials with solid financial outcomes, UTSA provides a practical path to a stable profession without betting the house on a bachelor's degree.
Where The University of Texas at San Antonio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at San Antonio 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 San Antonio | $52,176 | $62,423 | +20% |
| 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 β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,991 | $52,176 | $62,423 | $20,647 | 0.40 | |
| $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 | β | $53,694 | β | $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 San Antonio, approximately 42% 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 212 graduates with reported earnings and 254 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.