Students at Texas Lutheran University, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve earnings outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally for economic mobility.
The university's combination of solid long-term earnings and zero loan defaults demonstrates sustainable financial outcomes for graduates.
Texas Lutheran University is a small private nonprofit institution in Seguin, Texas, that consistently delivers strong outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. With nearly 38% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 36% being first-generation college students, TLU provides meaningful access while maintaining solid graduation rates and earnings outcomes. The university's 55% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success, particularly for students who might struggle at larger institutions.
What distinguishes TLU is its ability to support low-income students effectively. Graduates from low-income backgrounds earn a median of $49,400 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for low-income student earnings. This performance, combined with broad access, earns TLU designation as a "Mobility Engine" - an institution that opens doors widely and converts that access into meaningful economic progress.
As a small private college, TLU offers the personalized attention and close-knit community that many students need to thrive. The university's focus on practical career preparation, evidenced by strong outcomes in business, education, and exercise science, helps graduates transition successfully into the workforce despite the challenges facing many small private institutions today.
Texas Lutheran University's program portfolio reflects a practical approach to career preparation, with particular strength in business, education, and health-related fields. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 59 students who earn $35,213 early in their careers. This combination of scale and solid outcomes makes business a cornerstone of TLU's academic offerings.
Agricultural Teacher Education represents one of the university's highest-earning programs, with 22 graduates earning $45,500 early in their careers. This reflects strong demand for qualified agricultural educators in Texas and the university's commitment to preparing teachers for specialized fields. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 30 graduates earning $26,997, demonstrates TLU's focus on health and wellness careers that offer stable employment prospects.
The university's program mix emphasizes fields with clear career pathways and strong regional demand. These programs benefit from TLU's small size and personalized approach, allowing students to develop close relationships with faculty and gain hands-on experience that employers value. The focus on practical, professionally-oriented programs helps explain why TLU graduates achieve solid earnings outcomes despite the challenges facing many small private colleges in today's higher education landscape.
Texas Lutheran University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings outcomes, with a median of $53,863 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university above average nationally, the real strength lies in how consistently different student populations succeed. Low-income graduates earn $49,400 at the ten-year mark, demonstrating that TLU effectively supports students regardless of their economic background and helps them achieve meaningful career progress.
The university's program mix reflects a practical approach to career preparation. Business Administration and Management is the standout program, combining high enrollment with solid aggregate returns - 59 graduates earn a median of $35,213 early in their careers, providing a strong foundation for long-term growth. Agricultural Teacher Education offers some of the highest early earnings at $45,500 for 22 graduates, reflecting strong demand for qualified educators in Texas. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 30 graduates earning $26,997, represents the university's commitment to health and wellness fields that offer stable career paths.
TLU's approach emphasizes building practical skills and professional networks that serve graduates well over time. The university's small size allows for close mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that help students develop the competencies employers value, contributing to steady career advancement even if starting salaries are modest compared to larger research universities.
Texas Lutheran University maintains relatively affordable pricing across income levels, making private education accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay about $20,458 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $22,551 per year. Even high-income families pay $26,533, which represents reasonable value for a private college experience with small class sizes and personalized attention.
The university's financial aid approach helps keep debt levels manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns well with the earnings outcomes TLU delivers. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,178, reflecting families' willingness to invest in the personalized education experience while keeping parent debt at sustainable levels. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes TLU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable debt levels and solid earnings growth over time. With graduates earning over $53,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably while building their careers. The university's focus on practical programs and strong alumni networks helps ensure that the investment in a TLU education pays off through steady employment and career advancement opportunities.
Texas Lutheran University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
