Analysis
Wayland Baptist University's finance program shows estimated outcomes that track closely with typical Texas finance degreesβaround $52,600 in first-year earnings against roughly $23,000 in debt. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with monthly loan payments likely consuming about 5-6% of gross income under standard plans. However, these figures come from peer programs across Texas rather than Wayland's actual graduate outcomes, so there's meaningful uncertainty about what this specific program delivers.
The gap between Wayland's estimated results and Texas's top-performing finance programs is substantial. SMU and UT-Austin graduates earn 50-60% more in their first year, though those schools also come with significantly higher tuition and living costs. What matters is whether Wayland provides the recruiting pipelines, alumni networks, and credential recognition that finance employers valueβfactors that estimated data can't capture. With 40% of students on Pell grants, this program likely serves students who need an affordable path into finance, but the lack of reported outcomes makes it difficult to verify whether graduates are landing roles at banks, investment firms, or corporate finance departments.
Given the data limitations, contact Wayland's career services directly to ask about recent graduate placements, employer relationships, and whether students intern at regional banks or financial institutions. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if the program delivers actual finance careers, but you need concrete placement information to make an informed decision.
Where Wayland Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,186 | $52,581* | β | $22,961* | β | |
| $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 | |
| β | $70,963* | $59,017 | $48,469* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $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 Wayland Baptist University, approximately 40% 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 40 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.