Economics at Trinity University

Trinity's economics program produces graduates who earn substantially more than the typical Texas economics grad—$57,482 versus the state median of $51,068—while carrying the exact median debt load for the state. These numbers place Trinity solidly in the middle tier of Texas programs, trailing Rice and SMU but competing closely with UT Austin. The 27% earnings jump to $72,862 by year four suggests graduates are finding career traction, though you're still looking at outcomes well below Rice's $78,814.

The debt picture is manageable: at 36 cents owed for every dollar earned in year one, graduates have reasonable breathing room to handle loan payments. For a selective private school (28% admission rate), Trinity delivers economics outcomes that justify the investment without demanding the premium that SMU commands. The combination of strong earnings growth and moderate debt makes this a financially sound choice.

One important caveat: these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families considering private schools in Texas, Trinity offers a practical middle ground—better state-level outcomes than most public universities, at a debt level that doesn't require crossing your fingers about landing a top-tier job right out of college.