The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Good news if you're stuck between them: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and University of Nevada-Las Vegas come out about even on financial return. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley scores 69/100 and University of Nevada-Las Vegas scores 67/100 - 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 $10,359 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas - $5,528 more a year, or about $22,112 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 $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 9.1 years at University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley owing a median $12,950 versus $19,450 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 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.