Business/Commerce at University of Houston-Clear Lake

UH-Clear Lake business graduates earn nearly 20% more than the national median for this degree—strong performance that becomes even more impressive considering the school's accessibility (75% admission rate and 44% Pell grant population). While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools, that comparison includes UT-Austin's elite $94,000 earners; what matters more is that graduates here out-earn the Texas median by $25,000 annually.

The financial picture works well: $24,000 in debt against $56,000 first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio. More encouraging is the trajectory—earnings jump 25% to nearly $71,000 by year four, suggesting graduates build valuable career momentum. This isn't just about landing that first job; it's about positioning for growth in Houston's diverse business market.

For families seeking solid returns without elite-school tuition, this delivers. You're getting above-average outcomes at a fraction of the cost and admission stress of UT-Austin or Baylor, with debt levels below both state and national medians. The moderate sample size means year-to-year results may vary, but the fundamentals—strong initial placement, healthy growth, and manageable debt—point to a business program punching well above its weight.