Accounting at The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor's Degree
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 programs—placing 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 salary—a 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
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 San Antonio graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at San Antonio graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all accounting 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
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | $52,176 | $62,423 | $20,647 | 0.40 |
| Texas Christian University | $72,031 | $78,532 | $17,778 | 0.25 |
| Southern Methodist University | $68,643 | $77,801 | $15,850 | 0.23 |
| Baylor University | $68,187 | $80,617 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $68,082 | $78,482 | $19,462 | 0.29 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $67,186 | $84,502 | $17,641 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $72,031 | $17,778 |
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $68,643 | $15,850 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $68,187 | $20,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $68,082 | $19,462 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $67,186 | $17,641 |
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.