The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs University of Kentucky
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and University of Kentucky come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley scores 69/100 and University of Kentucky 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 $18,851 at University of Kentucky - $14,020 more a year, or about $56,080 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median $59,025 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 9 years at University of Kentucky.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley owing a median $12,950 versus $22,500 at University of Kentucky. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 and 0.52 - 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 R... | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,987 | $13,502 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,827 | $34,140 |
| Net Price (avg) | $4,831 | $18,851 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $19,324 | $75,404 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $43,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $49,620 | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 50.9% | 71.4% |
| Payback Period | 10.9 yr | 9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $12,950 | $22,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $137 | $239 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.38 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.8% | 74.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 55.6% | 68.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 94.2% | 92.9% |
| Enrollment | 28,666 | 24,763 |
| SAT Range | 880-1090 | 1070-1290 |
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 Kentuc... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $3,785 | $12,182 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $3,877 | $12,119 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $5,665 | $16,313 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $7,972 | $21,192 |
| $110,001+ | $13,782 | $26,781 |
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 Kentuc... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $77,097 | $99,945 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $80,857 | $99,535 |
| Electrical Engineering | $85,971 | $96,913 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,991 | $90,654 |
| Registered Nursing | $88,067 | $81,941 |
| Accounting | $53,420 | $85,777 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $50,156 | $84,087 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $59,794 | $82,533 |
| Civil Engineering | $71,848 | $81,031 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $63,426 | $77,663 |
| Mathematics | $60,645 | $75,222 |
| Chemistry | $57,100 | $73,549 |
| Marketing | $45,859 | $70,776 |
| Economics | $56,369 | $68,532 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $59,624 | $52,815 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | University of Kentuc... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 70 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 56 | 68 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 89 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 40 | 80 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 20 | 54 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 69 |
The Verdict
It's close. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley edges out University of Kentucky by 0 points (69 vs 69), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Kentucky
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.