Texas State University vs Northern Arizona University
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Texas State University and Northern Arizona University come out about even on financial return. Texas State University scores 63/100 and Northern Arizona University scores 64/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Northern Arizona University runs $14,158 a year against $16,805 at Texas State University - $2,647 more a year, or about $10,588 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Texas State University graduates earn a median $56,906 against $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at Texas State University and 10.1 years at Northern Arizona University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Northern Arizona University owing a median $19,000 versus $21,000 at Texas State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.52 - 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 | Texas State University | Northern Arizona Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $13,009 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,930 | $29,881 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,805 | $14,158 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,220 | $56,632 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,600 | $36,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $54,384 |
| Graduation Rate | 55.3% | 61.3% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.7% | 68.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.1% | 59.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.3% | 89.6% |
| Enrollment | 36,177 | 22,903 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas State Universi... | Northern Arizona Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,715 | $9,709 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,557 | $10,398 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,804 | $13,330 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,028 | $18,050 |
| $110,001+ | $24,713 | $20,686 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas State Universi... | Northern Arizona Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $104,127 | $99,067 |
| Electrical Engineering | $94,780 | $95,388 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,557 | $84,996 |
| Accounting | $78,418 | $81,144 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,100 | $77,855 |
| Business Information Systems | $74,435 | $63,605 |
| Marketing | $71,539 | $69,834 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,048 | $66,376 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $65,502 | $58,491 |
| Public Health | $54,229 | $61,757 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $61,539 | $48,764 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,832 | $61,250 |
| Chemistry | $58,396 | $60,630 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $53,407 | $60,448 |
| Public Administration | $59,074 | $52,834 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas State Universi... | Northern Arizona Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 72 | 74 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 60 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 50 | 62 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 36 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 64 |
The Verdict
It's close. Northern Arizona University edges out Texas State University by 1 points (64 vs 63), 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.
Texas State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Northern Arizona University
Fair 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.