At $22,587/yr net price, Texas Lutheran University graduates earn $53,863/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,863/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,587 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,863/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,863/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,458/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,270/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,551/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,601/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,533/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,218 | $16,104 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $45,500 | $27,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $44,189 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,054 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $37,748 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,213 | $25,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $31,848 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,581 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,997 | $26,969 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
The Risk Factor
55.2% of students at Texas Lutheran University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Texas Lutheran University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong earnings potential in select programs but concerning overall graduation and retention rates that undermine your investment.
Accounting stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $61,218 in median earnings with just $16,104 in debt. This program offers genuine ROI strength in the San Antonio metro area's growing business sector. Management Information Systems also shows promise at $44,189, though debt data is unavailable.
Education majors face a tougher financial reality. While teacher preparation programs dominate the curriculum, earnings of $43,000-$45,500 paired with $27,000 in debt create modest returns. Texas teacher salaries have improved, but you'll need years to see meaningful financial gains.
The 55% graduation rate presents serious financial risk. One in three students who don't graduate still carry debt without the degree premium. The 67% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment early.
TLU works financially if you're targeting accounting or business programs and value small class sizes. The school's Lutheran heritage attracts merit scholarships for members, and the $22,587 net price beats many private competitors. Rural Seguin location keeps living costs reasonable.
Skip TLU if you're undecided on major or considering liberal arts programs with weak earning potential. The combination of modest overall earnings and graduation risk makes this a poor choice for students who need maximum financial certainty. Texas public universities offer better value for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Lutheran University worth the cost?
Texas Lutheran University graduates earn a median of $53,863 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $22,587 annual net price. With a 55% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like accounting.
What are the best paying majors at Texas Lutheran University?
Accounting graduates from Texas Lutheran University earn the highest median salary at $61,218, making it the most financially viable program. Education and management information systems graduates earn in the mid-40s, while sociology majors average just $37,748.
How much debt do Texas Lutheran University graduates have?
Texas Lutheran University graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the relatively low graduation rate of 55%, there's significant risk of taking on debt without completing a degree.
Does Texas Lutheran University have good financial aid?
Texas Lutheran University's net price of $22,587 suggests decent financial aid for a private school, but the low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish. The 92% acceptance rate means most students qualify academically, but completion is the bigger challenge.