By Ryan Mercer · CampusROI Editorial Team
Best College Value in Texas: Top Schools by ROI (2026)
Texas has one of the strongest public university systems in the country. Rice scores 98/100 ROI - best private school deal we've found. UT Austin is the flagship to beat.
Texas produces more college graduates than almost any other state - and its public university system is among the most affordable in the country for residents. The flagship schools are genuinely strong. And then there's Rice, which is in a category of its own.
Top Texas Schools by ROI Score
| Rank | School | ROI Score | Net Price | 10-Yr Earnings | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice University | 98/100 | $13,370 | $89,718 | 95% |
| 2 | UT Austin | 90/100 | $19,857 | $75,121 | 89% |
| 3 | Texas A&M | 89/100 | $21,315 | $72,097 | 84% |
| 4 | Trinity University | 85/100 | $23,464 | $71,668 | 84% |
| 5 | UT Dallas | 84/100 | $18,267 | $68,227 | 76% |
| 6 | University of Houston | 80/100 | $14,276 | $62,377 | 65% |
Rice University: Best Private School Deal in the Country
Rice scores 98/100. That's not a rounding error.
Rice has the need-blind admissions, massive endowment, and aggressive financial aid program of a top-10 private school - with an average net price of $13,370/year. That's comparable to what California residents pay at UC Berkeley. Graduates earn $89,718 at 10 years with a 95% graduation rate.
If you get into Rice, go to Rice. The financial case is nearly as strong as the academic case.
The catch: 9.8% acceptance rate. But if you're in the applicant pool for Harvard, Yale, and MIT, Rice should be on your list specifically because of the ROI.
UT Austin: The Public Flagship Winner
UT Austin is the best public university value in Texas at $19,857 average net price and $75,121 median earnings. Its business school (McCombs), engineering school (Cockrell), and CS program are among the best in the South, and the Austin tech/energy economy provides direct pipeline for graduates.
The in-state vs. out-of-state math is stark. In-state: around $13,000-$14,000 in tuition. Out-of-state: $41,000+. If you're not a Texas resident, UT Austin is not the deal it appears to be.
Texas A&M: Engineering and Agriculture Value
A&M scores 89/100 at $21,315 net price. For engineering, agriculture, and business, A&M produces strong outcomes at prices below most peer institutions. Its engineering program is routinely ranked among the top 20 public engineering schools nationally.
A&M and UT Austin are often a genuine choice for Texas residents - and both are defensible. A&M's campus culture and specific program strengths (petroleum engineering, agriculture) tip the decision for many students.
UT Dallas: The Underrated Pick
UT Dallas scores 84/100 at $18,267 net price and $68,227 median earnings. For computer science, cybersecurity, and business analytics, UT Dallas has built a strong program at a fraction of the cost of many peer schools. It feeds directly into Dallas's tech and financial services sector.
If you're studying tech and you're a Texas resident, UT Dallas belongs on your shortlist alongside UT Austin.
University of Houston: Affordability Plus Outcomes
$14,276 net price. $62,377 median earnings. Houston's energy, medical, and business sectors are major employers of UH graduates. The ROI score of 80/100 reflects a solid deal for the price.
The Bottom Line
Texas residents have exceptional options at every price point. Rice is elite by any measure. UT Austin and A&M are legitimate flagship values. UT Dallas is underrated. The biggest mistake Texas residents make is paying $40,000+/year for an out-of-state school when these options exist.
Data: College Scorecard 2024. Net prices for Texas residents. Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at all public schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Texas university has the best ROI?
Rice University scores 98/100 on ROI with a $13,370 average net price and $89,718 median earnings - making it one of the best-value private universities in the country. Among public schools, UT Austin scores 90/100 with $19,857 net price and $75,121 median earnings.
Is UT Austin worth the out-of-state cost?
Probably not. UT Austin in-state (ROI 90/100) is a strong deal at $19,857 net. Out-of-state tuition pushes total costs to $55,000+/year, which significantly weakens the ROI case. Non-Texas residents should compare against strong in-state public options.
Is Texas A&M a good value?
Yes. Texas A&M scores 89/100 ROI with $21,315 average net price and $72,097 median earnings. For engineering, agriculture, and business programs, A&M is one of the best public school values in the South.
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