The University of Texas at Arlington vs Oregon State University

Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas at Arlington and Oregon State University come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas at Arlington 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, The University of Texas at Arlington runs $13,951 a year against $19,604 at Oregon State University - $5,653 more a year, or about $22,612 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oregon State University graduates earn a median $64,010 against $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington. The cost earns itself back in 6.9 years at The University of Texas at Arlington and 7.5 years at Oregon State University.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington owing a median $17,527 versus $21,221 at Oregon State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 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.