Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,860/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Doctoral | $59,350 | |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,849 | $130,658 |
Analysis
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center delivers weak financial returns that lag significantly behind other medical schools. Your median earnings of $76,860 ten years after graduation fall well short of what medical professionals typically earn at comparable institutions.
The school's medicine program produces particularly concerning outcomes. You'll graduate with $130,658 in debt but earn just $57,849 annually, creating a brutal debt-to-income ratio that will take decades to resolve. Even the highest-earning program, Medical Clinical Sciences, pays only $59,350 annually, which barely covers living expenses in the Dallas market while servicing medical school debt.
These low earnings suggest graduates struggle to secure competitive residencies or high-paying medical positions. The Dallas medical market offers opportunities, but UT Southwestern students appear unable to capitalize on them effectively. This creates significant financial risk if you're counting on typical physician salaries to justify the investment.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family wealth to cover expenses without borrowing, or if you're committed to lower-paying medical fields regardless of financial consequences. If you need strong earning potential to justify medical school debt, look elsewhere.
The public status helps somewhat with tuition costs, but the weak job placement outcomes negate this advantage. You're better served by medical schools with stronger residency match rates and higher graduate earnings, even if they cost more upfront. The investment in a higher-quality medical education pays off through better career placement and earning potential that UT Southwestern simply doesn't deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center worth the cost?
The ROI depends heavily on your program. Medical degrees from UT Southwestern typically lead to strong earning potential that justifies the investment, but the $76,860 average 10-year earnings suggests many graduates face a challenging debt-to-income ratio early in their careers.
What programs at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have the best ROI?
Medical Clinical Sciences and Graduate Medical Studies programs show the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $59,350 annually. Traditional MD programs start lower at $57,849 but typically see significant income growth after residency completion.
How much debt do University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center graduates typically have?
Medical school graduates typically carry substantial debt, and with average early-career earnings of $76,860, debt service can consume a large portion of income during residency years. The financial payoff usually comes later in medical careers.
Does University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center offer good financial aid?
As a public institution, UT Southwestern generally offers more affordable tuition than private medical schools, particularly for Texas residents. However, medical education costs remain high and most students still need significant loans to cover expenses.