Analysis
Teaching credentials from similar Texas programs suggest first-year earnings around $49,500—actually above the national median for education degrees. But $27,000 in estimated debt means new teachers here would be carrying loans equal to about seven months of take-home pay, a manageable but not insignificant burden when starting salaries are modest.
The estimated figures place this program right at the state median for education bachelor's degrees in Texas, where first-year earnings cluster more tightly than in many other fields. What matters more than these peer-based numbers is the reality that teaching offers steady, predictable income with strong benefits but limited upside in the first decade. Programs at UT Arlington show higher starting salaries (around $57,400), possibly reflecting placement in higher-paying suburban districts or credential combinations that command premium pay.
For a student committed to teaching, this debt load is workable—many new teachers qualify for income-driven repayment plans and potential loan forgiveness programs. The bigger question is whether your child is certain about the profession, since pivoting out of education with this degree typically means starting over career-wise. If teaching is the goal and staying in Texas is likely, these estimated outcomes suggest reasonable financial footing, though exploring which districts actively recruit from this program would tell you more than statewide averages can.
Where University of St Thomas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,660 | $49,453* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $51,058 | $50,984* | — | —* | — | |
| $18,610 | $47,921* | $42,725 | $27,500* | 0.57 | |
| $24,588 | $45,551* | — | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 St Thomas, approximately 38% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.