Accounting at University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown's accounting program punches well above its weight for an open-access institution. With graduates earning $60,344 four years out—ranking in the 60th percentile among Texas accounting programs—this program outperforms the state median by more than $10,000 annually. That's a meaningful gap, especially when you consider the school's $1,041 average SAT score and 91% admission rate suggest it's serving students who might not have access to the state's elite programs.

The economics work strongly in students' favor. At $21,943 in median debt—below both state and national averages—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. They're starting at $54,128, which matches the national median, and seeing steady 12% growth over four years. Half of students receive Pell grants, yet they're achieving outcomes comparable to or better than many selective programs.

Yes, this program won't match UT Austin's $68,000 four-year earnings. But for students seeking a solid accounting career without the barriers to entry at elite Texas universities, UH-Downtown delivers reliable value. The combination of low debt, above-average state earnings, and accessible admission makes this a practical pathway to a stable profession—exactly what accounting should provide.