The University of Texas at Dallas vs Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
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, The University of Texas at Dallas comes out ahead: 84/100 to 48/100, a 36-point edge over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. 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, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi runs $15,225 a year against $18,267 at The University of Texas at Dallas - $3,042 more a year, or about $12,168 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn a median $68,227 against $51,865 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The cost earns itself back in 6.4 years at The University of Texas at Dallas and 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at Dallas owing a median $18,000 versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 and 0.59 - 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... | Texas A & M University-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,644 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,144 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,267 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $73,068 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,800 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,227 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.7% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 6.4 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.38 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 73.6% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 70.8% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 65.1% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 21,751 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1410 | 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 | $12,814 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,510 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,030 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,892 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $26,596 | $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... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $104,448 | $71,616 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $103,603 | $86,698 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,102 | $82,322 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $86,484 | $66,917 |
| Accounting | $82,629 | $60,160 |
| Marketing | $73,732 | $62,017 |
| Business Administration and Management | $66,880 | $50,369 |
| International Relations | $65,869 | $33,968 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $65,617 | $51,909 |
| History | $61,321 | $50,387 |
| Biology | $58,540 | $50,181 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $57,864 | $52,078 |
| Psychology | $51,459 | $43,269 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 87 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 87 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 89 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 86 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 50 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 48 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: The University of Texas at Dallas clearly outperforms Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi (84 vs 48), a 36-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to The University of Texas at Dallas.
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The University of Texas at Dallas
Strong 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.