Florida Atlantic University vs The University of Texas at Dallas
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, The University of Texas at Dallas comes out ahead: 84/100 to 75/100, a 9-point edge over Florida Atlantic University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida Atlantic University runs $8,752 a year against $18,267 at The University of Texas at Dallas - $9,515 more a year, or about $38,060 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn a median $68,227 against $56,746 at Florida Atlantic University. The cost earns itself back in 8 years at Florida Atlantic University and 6.4 years at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida Atlantic University owing a median $17,236 versus $18,000 at The University of Texas at Dallas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.38 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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 the clearly stronger ROI here (84 vs 75) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Florida Atlantic University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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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.