At $19,734/yr net price, Texas Southern University graduates earn $38,924/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,924/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,734 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,924/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,924/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,738/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,676/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,237/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,252 | $74,412 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $59,169 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 | $55,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $49,576 | $29,480 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $47,620 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,942 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,290 | $52,147 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,235 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $40,485 |
The Risk Factor
19.9% of students at Texas Southern University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Texas Southern University delivers weak returns for most students, with a brutal 19.9% graduation rate that kills financial prospects before they start. Your median debt of $29,000 leads to earnings of just $38,924 after ten years, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that suggests financial strain for typical graduates.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear exception, generating $120,252 in annual earnings despite higher debt loads of $74,412. This program justifies TSU attendance if you can handle the academic rigor and complete the degree. Criminal Justice graduates earn $59,169 annually, making it another viable path, while Business Administration reaches $52,941 but carries excessive debt at $55,500.
The 57% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially before graduating. You face significant risk of leaving without a degree while carrying debt. The low completion rates particularly hurt students in lower-earning majors where the income boost from any college degree matters most.
TSU makes financial sense if you pursue pharmacy or can secure substantial financial aid. The 71% of students receiving aid suggests generous need-based assistance, potentially lowering your actual costs below the $19,734 net price. However, most students should consider community college transfer pathways or higher-graduation-rate alternatives.
Avoid TSU for liberal arts or undecided majors where the low graduation rate creates unacceptable financial risk. The Houston job market offers opportunities, but you need to actually graduate to access them. If you choose TSU, pick a high-earning major from day one and monitor your academic progress closely to avoid becoming part of the 80% who don't finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas Southern University worth the money?
Texas Southern University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $38,924 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of $29,000. The pharmacy program offers strong earning potential at $120,252, but most other programs lead to modest salaries that may not justify the cost.
What is the job market like for Texas Southern University graduates?
TSU graduates face mixed job prospects depending on their major. Pharmacy graduates earn strong salaries around $120,000, while criminal justice and business graduates typically earn $52,000-$59,000, which is modest given the debt load.
How much student debt do Texas Southern University students graduate with?
TSU graduates carry a median debt of $29,000, which is manageable for pharmacy graduates but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like criminal justice or general business.
What are the best paying majors at Texas Southern University?
Pharmacy is by far the highest-paying program at TSU with graduates earning $120,252. Other programs like criminal justice ($59,169) and business administration ($52,941) offer significantly lower returns on investment.