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This is how much more San Antonio residents earn with a graduate degree than a bachelor's

Graduate degrees aren't in the cards for everyone.

One of the biggest decisions new college graduates face after earning their bachelor's degree is whether to continue their education with a graduate degree or enter the professional world without one. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average cost of a master's degree is $65,134, so it's important to consider the financial benefits depending on an individual's chosen field of study.

In a metro area like San Antonio-New Braunfels, a graduate degree would mean a resident earns $14,459 more than if they only had a bachelor's degree, according to a new study by SmartAsset.

The average annual income of a San Antonio resident with a bachelor's degree is $57,689, the study says, with graduate degree earners making $72,148 per year.

The average annual pay in San Antonio for someone with a graduate degree is slightly greater than the national average of $72,000. The study further determined that on a national scale, a graduate degree nets individuals $16,000 more per year — a slightly greater increase than in San Antonio.

"Amid the high expenses of education and ever-changing job markets, it’s important to weigh the opportunity costs of a graduate degree with the additional earning potential," the study's author wrote. "A graduate or professional degree nets an extra $484,000 over a career, on average... This assumes a 30 year career in a medium or large metro area."

SmartAsset's study used 2021 U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year ACS S1501 data to determine the income for individuals aged 25 and older with varying professional degrees in 281 of the biggest metropolitan areas.

The Texas city where a graduate degree nets a resident the most amount of money is Midland, with a massive $24,394 difference between graduate degree and bachelor's holders. Average graduate degree pay in the West Texas city is $90,559 versus a bachelor's degree pay of $66,165.

The metro that landed at the top of the national ranks is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California. A bachelor's degree holder makes an average salary of $102,214 in the area, whereas a graduate degree holder increases those earnings more than $48,000, totaling $150,281.

The full report and its methodology can be found on smartasset.com.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

All the 4th of July events and fireworks around San Antonio in 2025

Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio

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From New Braunfels to Helotes to San Antonio city limits, there's something for everyone to enjoy on Independence Day. Best of all, all of the events in and around San Antonio are completely free. Whether you're into parades, fun runs, fireworks, or carnivals, this year's Fourth of July celebrations promise to go off with a bang.

Shavano Park Independence Day
June 28, 10 am to 1 pm
Shavano Park (900 Saddletree Ct.) is getting the party started early with its annual Independence Day celebration — and it's every bit as over-the-top as you'd hope. Locals go all out, dressing in festive gear, while bikes, strollers, and even pets get decked out in extravagant Americana. Participants march along with banners celebrating freedom as hundreds sing to a soundtrack of classic American tunes. It's a high-energy community tradition that sets the tone for a full week of festivities. There's a baking competition and a contest for the best banner. The festivities come with a free lunch, and families can cool off at the on-site water park, complete with slides and more than 16,000 water balloons. Yes, a full-blown water balloon fight is expected, and yes, it's as fun as it sounds.

Boerne's Concert Band's Independence Day Concert
July 30, 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Start your Fourth of July festivities with small-town vibes and star-spangled sounds in Boerne, where the Boerne Concert Band will fill the air with timeless anthems. Grab a blanket or your favorite lawn chair and settle in on the grassy slopes of the Main Plaza (100 N. Main St.) for a relaxed evening under the stars. If rain crashes the party, the show will move to the Boerne High School auditorium, but the patriotic spirit is coming either way.

Helotes Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 6 pm to 11 pm
Helotes is lighting up the night with its annual Independence Day celebration, featuring a fireworks show locals swear is the best around. Live performances by the Meyer Anderson Band and the Helotes Area Community Band will keep the energy high before the sky takes over. More than 70 vendors will be serving up food, drinks, and local goods — so leave the cooler at home and come ready to indulge. It's a lively, family-friendly night with big sounds, bright lights, and small-town charm. The event takes place at Helotes Festival Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd.

Alamo Heights Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 10 am to 11 am
With a history stretching back more than 50 years, the Alamo Heights neighborhood's Independence Day parade is a cherished community ritual. Whether you're rolling down the street with a decorated float or kicking back on the sidelines with a cold lemonade, the event delivers an intimate, close-knit vibe. Along the route, the community gathers for a powerful reading of the American Creed. The parade sets off from the corner of Estes and Patterson and winds its way about a mile to Cathedral Park. It's the kind of hometown celebration that feels like a block party, full of pride and plenty of neighborly cheer.

Boerne's Independence Day Fireworks Show
July 4, 9 pm to 9:30 pm
With prime viewing spots at the Kendall County Fairgrounds and Champion High School, Boerne's Fourth of July fireworks show is a relaxed, family-friendly way to celebrate. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks, grab a blanket or some chairs, and set up shop for an evening under the stars. It's the kind of easygoing outing that is passed down from generation to generation.

Heart of Texas Concert Band
July 4, 3 pm
Trinity Baptist Church (319 E. Mulberry Ave.) is the place to be for a heartfelt musical tribute to America's birthday. The Heart of Texas Band will take the stage for a patriotic concert, joined by the River City Rangers and the Cader Mountain Chorale. Expect resonating melodies, red-white-and-blue spirit, and plenty of proud-to-be-an-American moments in this uplifting community performance.

Leon Valley Fourth of July Festival
July 4, 4 pm
Now in its 31st year, the city of Leon Valley is throwing its annual Independence Day celebration at Raymond Rimkus Park (6400 El Verde Rd.). Thousands of attendees turn out for this lively event, where local vendors showcase their businesses and connect with the community. It's a great place to network, mingle, and soak up the patriotic vibes. If you're in the area, this hometown celebration is worth a stop.

New Braunfels Presents Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, festivities begin at 6 pm, fireworks start at 9:15 pm
One of the most beloved fireworks displays in the region, the annual show over Landa Park (164 Landa Park Dr.) in New Braunfels is well worth the drive. The fireworks light up the lake in spectacular fashion, best viewed from the nearby golf course with plenty of room to spread out. Before the main event, a skydiving team will make a dramatic descent into the park, adding extra flair to the festivities. A live concert featuring the J. Abram Group will set the mood, and the park's scenic setting offers the perfect backdrop for that picturesque family Facebook photo.

San Antonio's Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Park
July 4, fitness activities start at 9 am, main event hours 11 am to 9:30 pm
Presented by H-E-B, the Woodlawn Lake Park Fourth of July celebration at 221 Alexander Ave. delivers a full day of energy and entertainment on the city's West Side. The festivities begin with a morning Zumba class in the pool, followed by live performances from DJ VEGAs and the United States Air Force Band of the West. Guests can enjoy wrestling matches, carnival games, and a variety of food vendors serving up local favorites, including the beloved chicken on a stick. The evening ends with a grand fireworks display over the lake, closing out the celebration with a bang.

San Antonio Stars and Stripes on Houston Street Parade
July 4, 11 am
Back for just its second year, the Stars and Stripes Parade at Legacy Park (103 W. Houston St.) is quickly cruising into local tradition. The main draw? A rolling gallery of vintage military vehicles and retro rides, paired with marching bands and cultural groups, bring the route to life. It's the kind of feel-good celebration made for the whole family — especially that veteran who still shines up their old uniform every July.

Schertz's Fourth of July Jubilee
July 4, 9:30 am to 9 pmThe city of Schertz's Jubilee is ringing in 49 years of Independence Day tradition. The day kicks off with the Let Freedom Run 5K, which follows the city's festive parade route, giving runners a unique view of the action. The parade itself starts at Clemens High School, near the intersection of Elbel Road and Schertz Parkway, before making its way to Pickrell Park (703 Oak St.). After breaking a sweat, guests can cool off with a swim, listen to live music, and enjoy carnival rides and games. Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day. The celebration wraps up with a fireworks display lighting up the evening sky. With something for everyone, it's a can't-miss Fourth of July outing.

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