The University of Texas at Austin vs University of California-San Diego
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 California-San Diego holds a 6-point ROI advantage over The University of Texas at Austin, scoring 96/100 versus 90/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of California-San Diego comes in at $12,470 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin - a difference of $7,387 annually, or roughly $29,548 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates earn a median of $84,943 compared to $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. The payback period is 5.5 years at The University of Texas at Austin versus 3.8 years at University of California-San Diego.
Graduates leave University of California-San Diego with a median $15,500 in debt versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at Austin. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.32 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Texas a... | University of California-... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,688 | $16,758 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,908 | $50,958 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,857 | $12,470 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $79,428 | $49,880 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $52,200 | $48,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $75,121 | $84,943 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.9% | 86.1% |
| Payback Period | 5.5 yr | 3.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $15,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $164 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.32 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 86.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.7% | 84.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 26.6% | 26.7% |
| Enrollment | 42,855 | 34,948 |
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 | $7,525 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,297 | $8,155 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,207 | $9,942 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,406 | $15,199 |
| $110,001+ | $30,082 | $28,785 |
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... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $146,003 | $118,150 |
| Chemical Engineering | $115,423 | $96,798 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,523 | $104,229 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $104,422 | $100,173 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $102,544 | $98,687 |
| Civil Engineering | $95,271 | $91,745 |
| Physics | $74,738 | $95,018 |
| Economics | $89,354 | $87,307 |
| Mathematics | $88,434 | $79,015 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $67,079 | $81,174 |
| Chemistry | $72,025 | $77,249 |
| International Relations | $75,988 | $67,713 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $64,145 | $72,491 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $72,210 | $67,302 |
| Philosophy | $71,790 | $24,669 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 98 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 91 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 93 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 96 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 79 | 89 |
| Overall ROI Score | 90 | 96 |
The Verdict
University of California-San Diego has a meaningfully higher ROI score (96 vs 90). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if The University of Texas at Austin offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
The University of Texas at Austin
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of California-San Diego
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.