The University of Texas at El Paso vs East Carolina University
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas at El Paso and East Carolina University come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas at El Paso scores 61/100 and East Carolina University scores 61/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, The University of Texas at El Paso runs $9,403 a year against $15,739 at East Carolina University - $6,336 more a year, or about $25,344 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, East Carolina University graduates earn a median $55,146 against $50,923 at The University of Texas at El Paso. The cost earns itself back in 11.2 years at The University of Texas at El Paso and 10.1 years at East Carolina University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at El Paso owing a median $18,000 versus $22,750 at East Carolina University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.61 - 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... | East Carolina University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,744 | $7,361 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $25,502 | $23,638 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,403 | $15,739 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,612 | $62,956 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,300 | $37,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,923 | $55,146 |
| Graduation Rate | 50.2% | 62.6% |
| Payback Period | 11.2 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $22,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $241 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.61 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.0% | 72.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 54.3% | 68.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.9% | 89.2% |
| Enrollment | 21,005 | 19,896 |
| SAT Range | 860-1080 | 1070-1240 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Te... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,863 | $10,046 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,136 | $11,699 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,120 | $14,904 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,093 | $20,417 |
| $110,001+ | $18,282 | $23,028 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Te... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $103,286 | $90,197 |
| Registered Nursing | $89,077 | $82,250 |
| Accounting | $57,389 | $79,351 |
| Management Information Systems | $62,136 | $79,238 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $59,668 | $78,324 |
| Marketing | $49,068 | $73,626 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $66,491 | $60,441 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $51,506 | $64,723 |
| Biology | $49,396 | $64,205 |
| International Relations | $54,069 | $60,419 |
| Music | $60,172 | $39,029 |
| Public Health | $44,665 | $59,566 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $58,451 | $59,432 |
| Mathematics | $57,392 | $40,888 |
| Social Work | $53,995 | $54,666 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 84 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 55 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 72 | 49 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 39 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 48 |
| Overall ROI Score | 61 | 61 |
The Verdict
It's close. The University of Texas at El Paso edges out East Carolina University by 0 points (61 vs 61), 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?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
The University of Texas at El Paso
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
East Carolina University
Fair 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.