Finance and Financial Management Services at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's finance program produces graduates earning around $52,000 initially and $60,000 by year four—figures that land squarely in the middle of Texas finance programs but trail the state's elite business schools by significant margins. Among 59 Texas finance programs, this one sits at the 40th percentile, meaning nearly two-thirds of competing programs produce higher-earning graduates. Compare that to UT Austin's $82,000 starting salaries or even Texas A&M's $71,000, and the gap becomes clear. For students who can gain admission to these more selective programs, the earnings difference could mean an extra $20,000-30,000 annually.

That said, the debt picture provides some reassurance. At $21,500, graduates leave with manageable loans that represent less than half their first-year salary—a healthy ratio that allows for reasonable repayment timelines. The 88% admission rate means this program serves as an accessible pathway into finance careers for students who may not have the test scores or credentials for UT Austin (where the average SAT is considerably higher). With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, UTSA clearly serves a different population than Texas's private universities charging premium tuition.

The bottom line: This is a solid, affordable option for students seeking a finance degree without elite university credentials or prices. Just understand you're getting middle-of-the-pack outcomes in Texas, not the premium earnings that come from the state's top-tier programs. If your child is academically competitive enough for UT Austin or Texas A&M, the earnings premium likely justifies the extra effort.