Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,109
69th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$23,875
8% below national median

Analysis

UT Permian Basin's business program delivers above-average outcomes at a manageable price point, particularly for families seeking value in Texas. First-year graduates earn $51,109—comfortably above the state median of $44,084 and ranking in the 60th percentile among Texas business programs. That's a notable achievement for a regional university, especially considering the relatively modest $23,875 in median debt (below both state and national averages). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates can reasonably expect to manage their loans on a business-grad salary.

What makes this program particularly appealing is the earnings trajectory: salaries climb 21% to nearly $62,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are building marketable skills. While top-tier programs like UT Austin and TCU produce higher earners, they come with steeper admission requirements and often higher costs. For students who may not have access to those selective programs—or who want to stay in West Texas—UTPB offers a solid return without the financial strain.

The school's 84% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment (36%) indicate it serves a broad student population, yet still manages to place graduates well above average. For families prioritizing affordability and solid career prospects over prestige, this represents a smart choice in the Texas business program landscape.

Where The University of Texas Permian Basin Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
The University of Texas Permian Basin$51,109$61,973+21%
Southern Methodist University$60,659$105,314+74%
Texas Christian University$71,984$93,488+30%
The University of Texas at Austin$66,289$79,482+20%
Texas A&M University-College Station$59,306$73,138+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (94 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa$10,904$51,109$61,973$23,8750.47
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$71,984$93,488$25,0000.35
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$66,289$79,482$20,7500.31
LeTourneau UniversityLongview$35,500$65,144$63,561$39,6680.61
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$63,438$69,489$22,8660.36
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$60,659$105,314$19,5000.32
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.

Sample Size: Based on 38 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.