The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Colorado State University-Fort Collins come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley scores 69/100 and Colorado State University-Fort Collins scores 69/100 - 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 Rio Grande Valley runs $4,831 a year against $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins - $16,448 more a year, or about $65,792 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates earn a median $60,543 against $49,620 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The cost earns itself back in 10.9 years at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and 8.8 years at Colorado State University-Fort Collins.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley owing a median $12,950 versus $20,000 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 and 0.50 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.