The University of Texas at El Paso vs University of Nevada-Las Vegas
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, University of Nevada-Las Vegas comes out ahead: 67/100 to 61/100, a 6-point edge over The University of Texas at El Paso. 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 $10,359 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas - $956 more a year, or about $3,824 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates earn a median $55,037 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 9.1 years at University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at El Paso owing a median $18,000 versus $19,450 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.49 - 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... | University of Nevada-Las ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,744 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $25,502 | $27,411 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,403 | $10,359 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,612 | $41,436 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,300 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,923 | $55,037 |
| Graduation Rate | 50.2% | 50.5% |
| Payback Period | 11.2 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $19,450 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $206 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.49 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.0% | 63.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 54.3% | 57.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.9% | 96.2% |
| Enrollment | 21,005 | 24,622 |
| SAT Range | 860-1080 | 1010-1240 |
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 Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,863 | $8,526 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,136 | $8,537 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,120 | $10,606 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,093 | $13,513 |
| $110,001+ | $18,282 | $15,905 |
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 Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $94,122 | $100,765 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,393 | $97,901 |
| Registered Nursing | $89,077 | $94,600 |
| Civil Engineering | $75,882 | $90,474 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $59,668 | $76,319 |
| Accounting | $57,389 | $74,490 |
| Mathematics | $57,392 | $70,999 |
| International Business | $15,202 | $63,681 |
| Biology | $49,396 | $62,087 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $51,506 | $61,524 |
| Social Work | $53,995 | $60,344 |
| Music | $60,172 | $55,161 |
| Marketing | $49,068 | $58,919 |
| International Relations | $54,069 | $58,855 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $58,451 | $56,944 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | University of Nevada... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 84 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 55 | 67 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 72 | 74 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 39 | 40 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 24 |
| Overall ROI Score | 61 | 67 |
The Verdict
University of Nevada-Las Vegas has the clearly stronger ROI here (67 vs 61) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if The University of Texas at El Paso 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
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
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.