Florida Atlantic University vs The University of Texas at Dallas
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
The University of Texas at Dallas holds a 9-point ROI advantage over Florida Atlantic University, scoring 84/100 versus 75/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Florida Atlantic University comes in at $8,752 per year (net price after aid) versus $18,267 at The University of Texas at Dallas - a difference of $9,515 annually, or roughly $38,060 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn a median of $68,227 compared to $56,746 at Florida Atlantic University. The payback period is 8 years at Florida Atlantic University versus 6.4 years at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Graduates leave Florida Atlantic University with a median $17,236 in debt versus $18,000 at The University of Texas at Dallas. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.38 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida Atlantic Universi... | The University of Texas a... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $4,879 | $14,644 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,324 | $40,144 |
| Net Price (avg) | $8,752 | $18,267 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $35,008 | $73,068 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,800 | $47,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,746 | $68,227 |
| Graduation Rate | 62.6% | 75.7% |
| Payback Period | 8 yr | 6.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,236 | $18,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $183 | $191 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.38 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.8% | 73.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.7% | 70.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 66.1% | 65.1% |
| Enrollment | 23,757 | 21,751 |
| SAT Range | 1040-1200 | 1160-1410 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida Atlantic Uni... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $3,022 | $12,814 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,135 | $13,510 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,106 | $14,030 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,440 | $19,892 |
| $110,001+ | $16,854 | $26,596 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida Atlantic Uni... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $90,664 | $112,666 |
| Electrical Engineering | $93,561 | $104,448 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $89,476 | $103,603 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,583 | $90,102 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $70,078 | $86,484 |
| Accounting | $77,465 | $82,629 |
| Economics | $74,056 | $75,479 |
| Marketing | $62,906 | $73,732 |
| Mathematics | $71,453 | $69,383 |
| International Business | $50,230 | $69,370 |
| International Relations | $53,872 | $65,869 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $51,640 | $65,617 |
| Chemistry | $35,015 | $63,472 |
| History | $46,960 | $61,321 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $57,153 | $60,602 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida Atlantic Uni... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 87 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 75 | 87 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 89 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 64 | 86 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 24 | 50 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 84 |
The Verdict
The University of Texas at Dallas has a meaningfully higher ROI score (84 vs 75). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Florida Atlantic University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Florida Atlantic University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
The University of Texas at Dallas
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.