Texas State University vs Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
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
Texas State University holds a 15-point ROI advantage over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, scoring 63/100 versus 48/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi comes in at $15,225 per year (net price after aid) versus $16,805 at Texas State University - a difference of $1,580 annually, or roughly $6,320 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Texas State University graduates earn a median of $56,906 compared to $51,865 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The payback period is 9.5 years at Texas State University versus 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Graduates leave Texas State University with a median $21,000 in debt versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.59 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Texas State University | Texas A & M University-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,930 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,805 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $67,220 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,600 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 55.3% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.7% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.1% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.3% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 36,177 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 980-1200 | 970-1193 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,715 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,557 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,804 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,028 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $24,713 | $23,426 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $94,780 | $71,616 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $77,701 | $86,698 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,557 | $83,329 |
| Accounting | $78,418 | $60,160 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,100 | $66,917 |
| Marketing | $71,539 | $62,017 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,048 | $56,808 |
| International Relations | $56,716 | $33,968 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,832 | $50,896 |
| Biology | $55,605 | $50,181 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $55,595 | $52,301 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $54,053 | $52,078 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,009 | $42,921 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,447 | $49,859 |
| History | $52,329 | $50,387 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas State Universi... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 72 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 50 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 48 |
The Verdict
Texas State University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (63 vs 48). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Texas State University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Below Average 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.