Michigan State University vs The University of Texas at Arlington
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
Michigan State University holds a 3-point ROI advantage over The University of Texas at Arlington, scoring 79/100 versus 76/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, The University of Texas at Arlington comes in at $13,951 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,680 at Michigan State University - a difference of $5,729 annually, or roughly $22,916 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Michigan State University graduates earn a median of $67,253 compared to $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington. The payback period is 6.8 years at Michigan State University versus 6.9 years at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington with a median $17,527 in debt versus $23,250 at Michigan State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.40 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Michigan State University | The University of Texas a... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,458 | $11,950 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $43,842 | $29,582 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,680 | $13,951 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $78,720 | $55,804 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,200 | $43,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $67,253 | $63,199 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.7% | 54.0% |
| Payback Period | 6.8 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $17,527 |
| Monthly Payment | $246 | $186 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.40 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.5% | 70.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 75.6% | 63.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.8% | 79.9% |
| Enrollment | 40,922 | 32,294 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1360 | 1010-1240 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Michigan State Unive... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,068 | $11,893 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,830 | $12,003 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,521 | $12,612 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,703 | $16,371 |
| $110,001+ | $28,546 | $24,692 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Michigan State Unive... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $104,627 | $105,871 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,017 | $76,623 |
| Electrical Engineering | $100,481 | $99,993 |
| Registered Nursing | $80,129 | $99,393 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,946 | $90,158 |
| Accounting | $96,093 | $78,245 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $91,187 | $62,978 |
| Civil Engineering | $90,650 | $86,844 |
| Marketing | $90,453 | $63,088 |
| Economics | $79,428 | $71,821 |
| Mathematics | $72,226 | $66,261 |
| Physics | $33,400 | $71,830 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $69,300 | $66,454 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,290 | $50,930 |
| International Relations | $67,032 | $50,006 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Michigan State Unive... | The University of Te... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 84 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 71 | 87 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 48 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 53 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 79 | 76 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Michigan State University edges out The University of Texas at Arlington by 3 points (79 vs 76), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Michigan State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
The University of Texas at Arlington
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.