Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,192
63rd percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$18,125
30% below national median

Analysis

University of Houston's business program stands out for keeping debt remarkably low while delivering solid earnings growth. At $18,125 in median debt, graduates here borrow about 30% less than the typical Texas business student and roughly half the national average. Combined with first-year earnings of $49,192, this creates an excellent debt-to-income ratio of 0.37β€”meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans quickly.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While starting salaries place graduates in the 60th percentile among Texas business programs, the 28% jump to $62,735 by year four demonstrates strong career momentum. This puts UH graduates within striking distance of much more selective programs like Baylor ($63,438), despite UH's 70% admission rate making it far more accessible.

For parents weighing value, this program delivers what business education should: practical skills that translate to career advancement without crushing debt loads. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. While UH may not have the prestige of UT Austin, it provides a clear path to middle-class earnings with manageable financial riskβ€”particularly appealing given that 41% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Where University of Houston Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Houston$49,192$62,735+28%
Southern Methodist University$60,659$105,314+74%
Texas Christian University$71,984$93,488+30%
The University of Texas at Austin$66,289$79,482+20%
Texas A&M University-College Station$59,306$73,138+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (94 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$49,192$62,735$18,1250.37
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$71,984$93,488$25,0000.35
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$66,289$79,482$20,7500.31
LeTourneau UniversityLongview$35,500$65,144$63,561$39,6680.61
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$63,438$69,489$22,8660.36
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$60,659$105,314$19,5000.32
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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, approximately 41% 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 414 graduates with reported earnings and 362 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.