Analysis
University of Houston-Victoria's finance program offers a surprisingly affordable path into the field, but the small graduating class size—fewer than 30 students—means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. The $17,702 median debt sits well below both Texas ($22,500) and national ($23,332) medians, giving graduates a meaningful advantage with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.35. That's manageable by any standard.
The earnings picture is more complicated. Starting at $50,812 and growing to $57,175 after four years represents solid 13% growth, but these figures trail both Texas and national medians throughout. Among Texas finance programs, this ranks around the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a state dominated by powerhouses like UT Austin ($81,844) and Texas A&M ($71,409). The earnings gap isn't catastrophic, but it's substantial enough to matter when compounded over a career.
For families prioritizing affordability and avoiding debt, this program delivers. The combination of low borrowing and steady earnings growth means graduates can build financial stability quickly. However, students with competitive profiles might reasonably ask whether the $1,000 difference in admissions selectivity between UH-Victoria and higher-earning programs justifies potentially leaving $15,000-20,000 annually on the table long-term. The small sample size adds another layer of uncertainty—next year's cohort could look quite different.
Where University of Houston-Victoria Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston-Victoria graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston-Victoria | $50,812 | $57,175 | +13% |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | +37% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | +17% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | +27% |
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,499 | $50,812 | $57,175 | $17,702 | 0.35 | |
| $64,460 | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 | |
| $11,678 | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 | |
| $57,220 | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 | |
| $13,099 | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 | |
| — | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 University of Houston-Victoria, approximately 44% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.