Texas Southern University provides essential educational access for students who might not otherwise attend college, serving over 71% Pell recipients and nearly 39% first-generation students.
The university maintains strong affordability with consistent net prices around $19,700 and demonstrates that graduates successfully manage loan repayment despite modest earnings.
Texas Southern University ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for overall value among public four-year institutions, reflecting significant challenges in graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. However, TSU serves a critical mission as one of the most accessible public universities in Texas, with over 71% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 39% being first-generation college students. The university provides essential educational access in Houston's diverse community, though students face substantial completion challenges with only 20% graduating within six years.
Despite these obstacles, TSU demonstrates strong commitment to serving underrepresented students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The university's low net prices—around $19,700 for both low- and middle-income families—make college financially feasible for many students. While earnings outcomes lag behind state and national averages, with graduates earning a median of $38,924 ten years after enrollment, the institution plays a vital role in providing educational opportunities in fields like business administration, biology, and health sciences.
As a historically black public university in Houston, TSU offers students access to a supportive community environment and programs that prepare graduates for careers in education, healthcare, business, and public service. For students who successfully complete their degrees, the university provides a foundation for career advancement, though the path requires significant personal commitment and persistence.
Texas Southern University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving students interested in careers that emphasize community service and professional development. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 75 graduates and the highest aggregate return, producing median earnings of $38,289 that align closely with the university's overall outcomes. This program serves as an economic anchor for the institution, combining substantial enrollment with relatively strong financial outcomes.
Biology, with 58 graduates earning around $25,194, primarily serves as preparation for graduate school in medicine, dentistry, or other health professions rather than immediate career entry. Similarly, Health Sciences graduates earn about $21,964 early in their careers but often pursue additional certification or graduate training that leads to stronger long-term prospects. The standout performer is Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, where 32 graduates earn $49,576, likely reflecting students who design custom academic programs aligned with specific career goals.
The program mix emphasizes fields that serve community needs—healthcare, education, business, and public service—rather than high-earning technical fields. This alignment with TSU's mission means graduates often prioritize meaningful work and community impact over maximum earnings, though this creates financial challenges that require careful career and debt management planning.
Graduates of Texas Southern University face challenging financial outcomes compared with other public institutions. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $38,924, placing the university in the bottom 5% nationally for graduate earnings. This represents earnings that are significantly below expectations when compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting both the university's student population and program mix challenges.
Program outcomes vary considerably across fields of study. Business Administration, the university's largest and highest-return program with 75 graduates, produces median earnings of $38,289 ten years out. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies shows the strongest individual earnings at $49,576, though with only 32 graduates. Biology, a popular pre-professional track with 58 graduates, shows more modest outcomes at $25,194, while Health Sciences graduates earn around $21,964 early in their careers. These figures reflect the reality that many TSU graduates enter fields like education, social work, and healthcare that typically offer lower starting salaries but provide important community services.
The earnings challenges stem partly from the university's role as a pathway institution for students who may need additional academic support and time to complete degrees. Many graduates pursue careers in public service, education, and healthcare—fields that offer meaningful work and long-term stability, even if initial compensation is modest compared with graduates from more selective institutions.
Texas Southern University stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $19,738 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,237—both figures representing strong value compared with most public universities in Texas. The consistent pricing across income bands reflects the university's commitment to keeping education accessible for working families and first-generation students who form the majority of the student body.
Debt levels are moderate but require careful management given graduate earnings. Typical students leave with about $29,000 in federal loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,994. With median graduate earnings of $38,924, loan repayment requires disciplined budgeting, though the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that most borrowers successfully manage their obligations over time.
The university's low sticker price and generous aid make it one of the most affordable options for Texas families seeking a four-year degree. However, the combination of modest earnings and moderate debt levels means graduates need to approach repayment strategically, potentially using income-driven plans to ensure payments remain manageable during the early career years when salaries are typically lower.
Texas Southern University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
