By Ryan Mercer · CampusROI Editorial Team
Is UT Austin Worth It? The ROI Data on The University of Texas at Austin (2026)
UT Austin costs $11,688/year in-state tuition. The net price after aid is $19,857. Graduates earn $75,121 at 10 years, and the payback period is 5.5 years. For Texas residents in STEM or business, the math works very hard in your favor.
UT Austin costs $11,688 per year in in-state tuition. The four-year net cost, after average aid, is $79,428. Graduates earn $75,121 at the 10-year mark, and Texas residents typically pay the investment off in 5.5 years.
Here's the data.
UT Austin by the Numbers
| Metric | UT Austin |
|---|---|
| CampusROI Score | 90/100 - Exceptional Value |
| In-state tuition (2026) | $11,688/year |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,908/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,857/year |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $79,428 |
| Median earnings (10 years out) | $75,121 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| 6-year graduation rate | 88.9% |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% |
| Estimated payback period | 5.5 years |
The Cost Reality
In-state tuition of $11,688 is the anchor. After aid, net price varies substantially by family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price at UT Austin |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,553/year |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,297/year |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,207/year |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,406/year |
| $110,001+ | $30,082/year |
What Graduates Actually Earn
UT's overall 10-year median of $75,121 hides big differences by program:
| Major | 4-Year Median Earnings | Debt-to-Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $155,168 | 0.18 | A |
| Electrical Engineering | $146,003 | 0.21 | A |
| Petroleum Engineering | $139,867 | 0.20 | A |
| Finance | $132,075 | 0.25 | B+ |
| Management Information Systems | $127,158 | 0.22 | A |
The humanities and arts outcomes are worse. Biology graduates ($66,264 at 4 years) and Psychology graduates ($56,821) carry debt-to-earnings ratios near 0.60-0.70 (C grades). Radio/TV/Digital Communication at $52,860 with a 0.80 debt ratio (D) is a hard program to justify at out-of-state prices.
How UT Austin Compares to Alternatives
If you're weighing UT Austin, the obvious Texas and peer flagship comparisons:
Texas A&M College Station - UT's in-state rival. Similar tuition, similar engineering strength, arguably stronger in petroleum and agricultural engineering. UT wins on CS and business; A&M wins on engineering breadth. For most Texas students, pick the one where you fit better culturally.
University of Florida - Another southern flagship with strong ROI. Comparable net price, comparable outcomes. If you're an out-of-state student considering both, the deciding factor is usually geography and major fit.
Texas State University - A cheaper in-state alternative. Lower net price, but lower earnings and completion rate. If you can get into UT Austin, it's usually the better ROI despite higher sticker price. For the full Texas ranking - Rice, UT Austin, Texas A&M, UT Dallas, and the regional publics - see our best college value in Texas breakdown.
The Verdict
UT Austin scores 90/100 - Exceptional Value, and the tier label is earned, not inflated.
UT Austin is worth it if: You're a Texas resident studying CS, engineering, business, or any quantitative field. The combination of $11,688 in-state tuition, 88.9% graduation rate, and six-figure outcomes for top majors is close to optimal.
UT Austin is not worth it if: You're paying out-of-state tuition ($44,908) for a humanities or liberal arts major. At that price, your in-state flagship is almost certainly the better financial decision.
The honest framing: UT Austin is one of the best public university values in America for in-state students. Out-of-state, it's a quality school at a competitive private-tier price, which only makes sense for specific high-earning programs.
All data from College Scorecard, as of 2026. Net prices are averages - individual aid packages vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UT Austin worth the cost?
For Texas residents, yes - decisively. In-state tuition is $11,688 and the completion rate is 88.9%. CS graduates earn $155,168 four years out with a 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio. For out-of-state students paying $44,908 in tuition, the math is tighter and depends heavily on major.
What is UT Austin's ROI score?
UT Austin scores 90/100 on CampusROI's scale - Exceptional Value. It scores particularly well on completion rate (96/100) and payback period (91/100, at 5.5 years). The lowest sub-score is repayment rate at 79.
What is the average net price at UT Austin?
The average net price is $19,857/year after grants and scholarships. For families earning under $30,000, net price is $12,553/year. Families earning above $110,000 pay $30,082/year average. Out-of-state students face a much higher bill - $44,908 in tuition alone.
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