The University of Texas at Arlington vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas at Arlington and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas at Arlington scores 76/100 and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College scores 76/100 - 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, The University of Texas at Arlington runs $13,951 a year against $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - $5,200 more a year, or about $20,800 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn a median $63,199 against $61,251 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The cost earns itself back in 6.9 years at The University of Texas at Arlington and 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington owing a median $17,527 versus $20,500 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 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.