Texas Tech University vs Oregon State 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 Tech University and Oregon State University come out about even on financial return. Texas Tech University scores 76/100 and Oregon State University scores 75/100 - 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, Texas Tech University runs $19,070 a year against $19,604 at Oregon State University - $534 more a year, or about $2,136 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oregon State University graduates earn a median $64,010 against $62,454 at Texas Tech University. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at Texas Tech University and 7.5 years at Oregon State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Oregon State University owing a median $21,221 versus $21,500 at Texas Tech University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.50 - 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 Tech University | Oregon State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,852 | $14,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,451 | $38,190 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,070 | $19,604 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $76,280 | $78,416 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,800 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,454 | $64,010 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.7% | 70.1% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 7.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $21,221 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $225 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.50 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.7% | 76.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 71.8% | 72.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 72.7% | 77.3% |
| Enrollment | 32,394 | 30,743 |
| SAT Range | 1090-1280 | 1140-1400 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas Tech Universit... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,457 | $12,107 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,851 | $13,036 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,058 | $15,729 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,073 | $20,262 |
| $110,001+ | $24,622 | $27,459 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas Tech Universit... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $107,110 | $105,359 |
| Construction Engineering | $102,312 | $105,964 |
| Physics | $57,435 | $103,167 |
| Industrial Engineering | $98,266 | $101,653 |
| Chemical Engineering | $99,747 | $92,741 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $98,113 | $93,740 |
| Environmental Engineering | $90,143 | $87,699 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,969 | $89,822 |
| Accounting | $89,891 | $75,219 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $86,795 | $78,427 |
| Chemistry | $70,673 | $78,417 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,702 | $73,660 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $74,591 | $39,450 |
| Marketing | $72,953 | $73,205 |
| Mathematics | $69,664 | $72,318 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas Tech Universit... | Oregon State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 77 | 78 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 76 | 79 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 74 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 76 | 78 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 63 | 58 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 75 |
The Verdict
It's close. Texas Tech University edges out Oregon State University by 1 points (76 vs 75), 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 Tech University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Oregon State University
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.