Michigan State University vs The University of Texas at Arlington
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, Michigan State University comes out ahead: 79/100 to 76/100, a 3-point edge over The University of Texas at Arlington. 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, The University of Texas at Arlington runs $13,951 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University - $5,729 more a year, or about $22,916 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Michigan State University graduates earn a median $67,253 against $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington. The cost earns itself back in 6.8 years at Michigan State University and 6.9 years at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington owing a median $17,527 versus $23,250 at Michigan State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.40 - 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 | 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
It's close. Michigan State University edges out The University of Texas at Arlington by 3 points (79 vs 76), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.