Interior Architecture at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's Interior Architecture program sits right at the median among Texas schools, but that's not necessarily reassuring when recent graduates earn just $36,500—barely above minimum wage for full-time work—while carrying over $30,000 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.84 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which translates to substantial monthly payments relative to their take-home pay. While the program ranks 40th percentile statewide, that's only because Texas has several weaker programs dragging down the average; graduates from University of North Texas earn 39% more in their first year, and even Stephen F. Austin outperforms UTSA.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, so don't treat them as gospel. However, the pattern is clear: this isn't a fast track to financial stability. For a family stretching to cover college costs, especially at a school where 42% of students need Pell grants, the combination of below-market earnings and above-average debt creates real financial stress in those crucial first years after graduation.

If your child is passionate about interior architecture and committed to UTSA specifically, they should plan to minimize borrowing aggressively—work part-time, live at home if possible, or consider starting at a community college. Otherwise, University of North Texas offers significantly stronger earning potential in the same field and state.