The University of Texas at El Paso 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 El Paso comes out ahead: 61/100 to 48/100, a 13-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, The University of Texas at El Paso runs $9,403 a year against $15,225 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi - $5,822 more a year, or about $23,288 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi graduates earn a median $51,865 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 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at El Paso owing a median $18,000 versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 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 | $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 the clearly stronger ROI here (61 vs 48) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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 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.