The University of Texas at Arlington 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 The University of Texas at Arlington. 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, The University of Texas at Arlington runs $13,951 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $11,395 more a year, or about $45,580 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 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 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at Arlington owing a median $17,527 versus $19,500 at University of Colorado Boulder. 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.
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
It's close. University of Colorado Boulder edges out The University of Texas at Arlington 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?
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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.