Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Houston
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Houston's finance program offers solid debt management alongside steady earnings growth that positions graduates well within Texas. With median debt of just $17,875—significantly below both the national ($23,332) and state ($22,500) averages—students graduate with manageable financial obligations that represent only 33 cents for every dollar earned in the first year.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story of professional development. Starting salaries of $54,041 climb to $68,263 by year four, representing 26% growth that outpaces many finance programs. While UH ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas finance programs, this performance becomes more impressive when considering the school's accessibility—70% admission rate and 41% of students receiving Pell grants—compared to the elite private institutions dominating the state's top earnings rankings.
The program's strength lies in delivering strong value without the financial burden typical of finance education. Though graduates won't immediately match earnings from UT Austin or SMU, they're building careers with far less debt risk and solid growth potential. For families seeking a finance degree that balances career prospects with financial prudence, this represents a practical path into the industry.
Where University of Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Houston graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | $54,041 | $68,263 | $17,875 | 0.33 |
| Southern Methodist University | $83,159 | $113,839 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $81,844 | $95,994 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas Christian University | $78,453 | $90,933 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $71,409 | $90,976 | $16,880 | 0.24 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $83,159 | $19,500 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $81,844 | $20,500 |
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $78,453 | $19,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $71,409 | $16,880 |
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $70,963 | $48,469 |
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 351 graduates with reported earnings and 310 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.