Texas Tech University vs University of Colorado Boulder
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, University of Colorado Boulder comes out ahead: 80/100 to 76/100, a 4-point edge over Texas Tech University. 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, Texas Tech University runs $19,070 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $6,276 more a year, or about $25,104 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $62,454 at Texas Tech University. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at Texas Tech University and 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder owing a median $19,500 versus $21,500 at Texas Tech University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 0.46 - 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 | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,852 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,451 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,070 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $76,280 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,800 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,454 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.7% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.7% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 71.8% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 72.7% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 32,394 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1090-1280 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Texas Tech Universit... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,457 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,851 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,058 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,073 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $24,622 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Texas Tech Universit... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $92,615 | $115,181 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,110 | $100,631 |
| Chemical Engineering | $99,747 | $95,780 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $98,113 | $93,073 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,969 | $94,960 |
| Mathematics | $69,664 | $90,635 |
| Environmental Engineering | $90,143 | $82,020 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,702 | $86,441 |
| Physics | $57,435 | $75,764 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $62,247 | $74,779 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $74,591 | $60,453 |
| Economics | $68,973 | $73,319 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $57,262 | $72,306 |
| International Relations | $59,466 | $69,651 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $63,013 | $68,488 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Texas Tech Universit... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 77 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 76 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 80 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 76 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 63 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 80 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Colorado Boulder edges out Texas Tech University by 4 points (80 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.
Texas Tech University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Colorado Boulder
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.