Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Dallas

University of Dallas business graduates experience a striking earnings trajectory that tells two very different stories depending on when you measure. That first-year salary of $40,057 lands below both the Texas median ($44,084) and national average ($45,703), placing graduates in just the 24th percentile nationally. However, by year four, earnings jump to $68,304—a 71% increase that outpaces typical business program growth and lifts these graduates well above benchmarks.

The manageable debt load of $24,093 makes that slower start less concerning than it might otherwise be. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60, graduates can realistically handle their loans even during those lower-earning early years. Among Texas business programs, this ranks squarely in the middle (40th percentile), performing respectably against state competitors while staying well below the state's elite programs at TCU, UT Austin, and SMU.

The real question is what drives that dramatic earnings jump. It could reflect the advantage of UD's smaller, relationship-focused environment where career development takes longer to materialize but ultimately pays off. Or graduates might be pivoting into higher-paying roles after gaining experience. Either way, parents should recognize they're likely funding a longer runway to competitive earnings, but one that appears to work out. Just understand your child may need financial support or patience through those first few years while classmates at higher-ranked programs start stronger out of the gate.