The University of Texas at Austin vs University of California-Irvine
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 California-Irvine comes out ahead: 94/100 to 90/100, a 4-point edge over The University of Texas at Austin. 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, University of California-Irvine runs $14,251 a year against $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin - $5,606 more a year, or about $22,424 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Irvine graduates earn a median $80,735 against $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. The cost earns itself back in 5.5 years at The University of Texas at Austin and 4.3 years at University of California-Irvine.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Irvine owing a median $15,000 versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at Austin. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.34 - 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 California-... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,688 | $15,722 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,908 | $49,922 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,857 | $14,251 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $79,428 | $57,004 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $52,200 | $44,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $75,121 | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.9% | 86.9% |
| Payback Period | 5.5 yr | 4.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $15,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $159 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 82.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.7% | 78.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 26.6% | 28.6% |
| Enrollment | 42,855 | 30,197 |
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 Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,553 | $8,123 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,297 | $9,313 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,207 | $11,642 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,406 | $15,164 |
| $110,001+ | $30,082 | $30,546 |
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 Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $155,168 | $96,347 |
| Electrical Engineering | $146,003 | $106,871 |
| Pharmacy | $143,049 | $61,034 |
| Management Information Systems | $127,158 | $108,038 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,891 | $119,502 |
| Chemical Engineering | $115,423 | $97,656 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,523 | $99,111 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $104,422 | $100,537 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $102,544 | $96,874 |
| Civil Engineering | $95,271 | $96,354 |
| Physics | $74,738 | $96,215 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $94,458 | $80,755 |
| Economics | $89,354 | $83,937 |
| Mathematics | $88,434 | $77,472 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $83,481 | $70,820 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 91 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 79 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 90 | 94 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of California-Irvine edges out The University of Texas at Austin by 4 points (94 vs 90), 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 Austin
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of California-Irvine
Exceptional 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.