The University of Texas at San Antonio vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas at San Antonio and University of Nebraska-Lincoln come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas at San Antonio scores 68/100 and University of Nebraska-Lincoln scores 68/100 - 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 San Antonio runs $10,836 a year against $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln - $6,911 more a year, or about $27,644 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at San Antonio graduates earn a median $57,131 against $56,887 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The cost earns itself back in 8.3 years at The University of Texas at San Antonio and 9.6 years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas at San Antonio owing a median $20,500 versus $21,000 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.53 and 0.53 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.