Austin College
Austin College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Austin College at a Glance
Austin College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Sherman, Texas. Chartered in November 1849, Austin College remains the oldest institution of higher education in Texas to be operating under its original charter and name as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee. About 1,300 students are enrolled at the college.
1849
177 years old
$155M
$155.4 million (2020)
1,223
70 acres
Identity
Is Austin College Worth It?
Austin College offers moderate value at $21,107/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $61,296, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Austin College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #2 of 45 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #2 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #3 | Illinois Wesleyan University | 49 | $28,199 | $70,871 |
| #4 | Hampden-Sydney College | 48 | $22,400 | $67,640 |
| #5 | Allegheny College | 47 | $22,940 | $62,069 |
| #6 | University of Dallas | 45 | $22,610 | $58,285 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Austin College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TX.
Best Programs at Austin College
The highest-earning program at Austin College is Business/Commerce, General at $33,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $23,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Austin College earns $33,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $23,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $23,250 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,107/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $33,600 | $33,600 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, General | $23,800 | $23,800 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Sherman, TX
- Student Body
- 1,165 students
- Admission Rate
- 48%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,107
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,296
- Median Student Debt
- $24,500