The University of Texas at El Paso 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 El Paso holds a 13-point ROI advantage over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, scoring 61/100 versus 48/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, The University of Texas at El Paso comes in at $9,403 per year (net price after aid) versus $15,225 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi - a difference of $5,822 annually, or roughly $23,288 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi graduates earn a median of $51,865 compared to $50,923 at The University of Texas at El Paso. The payback period is 11.2 years at The University of Texas at El Paso versus 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Graduates leave The University of Texas at El Paso with a median $18,000 in debt versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 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 | $9,744 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $25,502 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,403 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,612 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,300 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,923 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 50.2% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 11.2 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.0% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 54.3% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.9% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 21,005 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 860-1080 | 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 | $7,863 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,136 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,120 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,093 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $18,282 | $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 | $103,286 | $86,698 |
| Electrical Engineering | $94,122 | $71,616 |
| Registered Nursing | $89,077 | $83,329 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,393 | $82,322 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $59,668 | $66,917 |
| Management Information Systems | $62,136 | $57,021 |
| Marketing | $49,068 | $62,017 |
| Music | $60,172 | $22,833 |
| Accounting | $57,389 | $60,160 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $58,451 | $42,921 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $51,506 | $56,808 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $56,486 | $52,078 |
| International Relations | $54,069 | $33,968 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $31,207 | $52,301 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,063 | $50,896 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 84 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 55 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 72 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 39 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 61 | 48 |
The Verdict
The University of Texas at El Paso has a meaningfully higher ROI score (61 vs 48). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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The University of Texas at El Paso
Fair 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.