The University of Texas at Arlington vs University of Colorado Boulder
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
University of Colorado Boulder holds a 4-point ROI advantage over The University of Texas at Arlington, scoring 80/100 versus 76/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, The University of Texas at Arlington comes in at $13,951 per year (net price after aid) versus $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - a difference of $11,395 annually, or roughly $45,580 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median of $69,738 compared to $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington. The payback period is 6.9 years at The University of Texas at Arlington versus 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington with a median $17,527 in debt versus $19,500 at University of Colorado Boulder. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.46 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Texas a... | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,950 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,582 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,951 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $55,804 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,700 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,199 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 54.0% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 6.9 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,527 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $186 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.4% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.2% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 79.9% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 32,294 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1010-1240 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Te... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,893 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,003 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,612 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,371 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $24,692 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Te... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $109,197 | $121,952 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $99,239 | $116,350 |
| Computer Engineering | $105,871 | $115,181 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,993 | $100,631 |
| Civil Engineering | $86,844 | $94,960 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,158 | $93,073 |
| Mathematics | $66,261 | $90,635 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $62,978 | $86,441 |
| Physics | $71,830 | $75,764 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $66,454 | $74,779 |
| Economics | $71,821 | $73,319 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $56,782 | $72,306 |
| International Relations | $50,006 | $69,651 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $53,830 | $68,488 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,990 | $66,623 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 48 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 41 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 80 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Colorado Boulder edges out The University of Texas at Arlington by 4 points (80 vs 76), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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The University of Texas at Arlington
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.