By the CampusROI Editorial Team · Editorial standards
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; our full Rice tuition and ROI breakdown covers why.
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.
For the full UT Austin breakdown - per-major earnings, the in-state vs out-of-state cost math, and the engineering/CS placement picture - see our is UT Austin worth it deep dive.
For the neighboring Gulf comparison, see our best college value in Louisiana breakdown, where LSU anchors the state but Louisiana Tech delivers similar outcomes for about $7,287 a year less. And for every cut of this data beyond Texas, by state, price band, major, and school size, start at our college ROI rankings.
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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