Analysis
A bachelor's degree in accounting from UT Permian Basin appears to deliver solid value, particularly when you consider the debt load. At $17,000 in student loans—substantially below both the Texas median of $22,270 and the national median of $25,000—graduates enter the workforce with manageable obligations. That debt sits at just 34% of estimated first-year earnings, a ratio that puts this program among the most affordable accounting degrees in the state.
The earnings trajectory looks promising too. While first-year income based on comparable Texas programs suggests around $49,400, by year four graduates are earning $62,669—above the state median and approaching the national 75th percentile. This growth pattern indicates the degree opens doors to career advancement, not just entry-level positions. For context, UT Austin accounting grads start around $68,000, but they also typically carry more debt and face higher living costs during school.
The combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes this a practical choice for students seeking accounting credentials without the financial burden common at private institutions. The real test will be whether individual graduates can match or exceed these peer-program benchmarks, but the debt alone—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability—provides a significant cushion even if earnings fall slightly short of estimates.
Where The University of Texas Permian Basin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's 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 Permian Basin | — | $62,669 | — |
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,904 | $49,406* | $62,669 | $17,000 | — | |
| $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 | — | $53,694* | — | $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 Permian Basin, approximately 36% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 43 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.