The University of Texas at Austin vs Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
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
The University of Texas at Austin holds a 42-point ROI advantage over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, scoring 90/100 versus 48/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi comes in at $15,225 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin - a difference of $4,632 annually, or roughly $18,528 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn a median of $75,121 compared to $51,865 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The payback period is 5.5 years at The University of Texas at Austin versus 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Graduates leave The University of Texas at Austin with a median $20,500 in debt versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.59 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Texas a... | Texas A & M University-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,688 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,908 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,857 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $79,428 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $52,200 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $75,121 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.9% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 5.5 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.7% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 26.6% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 42,855 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 1250-1510 | 970-1193 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Te... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,553 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,297 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,207 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,406 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $30,082 | $23,426 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Te... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $155,168 | $86,698 |
| Electrical Engineering | $146,003 | $71,616 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $132,075 | $66,917 |
| Management Information Systems | $127,158 | $57,021 |
| Accounting | $105,143 | $60,160 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,523 | $82,322 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $94,458 | $56,808 |
| Business Administration and Management | $94,041 | $50,369 |
| Marketing | $91,955 | $62,017 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,891 | $83,329 |
| International Relations | $75,988 | $33,968 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $72,210 | $42,921 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $66,580 | $50,896 |
| Biology | $66,264 | $50,181 |
| History | $56,881 | $50,387 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 91 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 79 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 90 | 48 |
The Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin significantly outperforms Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi on financial ROI (90 vs 48). The 42-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors The University of Texas at Austin.
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The University of Texas at Austin
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Below Average 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.