University of Houston vs Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
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 Houston comes out ahead: 80/100 to 48/100, a 32-point edge over Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. 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, University of Houston runs $14,276 a year against $15,225 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi - $949 more a year, or about $3,796 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Houston graduates earn a median $62,377 against $51,865 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Houston and 11.9 years at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Houston owing a median $18,194 versus $23,000 at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.59 - 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 | University of Houston | Texas A & M University-Co... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,717 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,547 | $20,794 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,276 | $15,225 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,104 | $60,900 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,100 | $39,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $51,865 |
| Graduation Rate | 64.6% | 40.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.2 yr | 11.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $23,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $193 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 66.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 67.1% | 59.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 73.9% | 88.6% |
| Enrollment | 38,380 | 8,034 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1340 | 970-1193 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Housto... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,929 | $11,445 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,220 | $11,961 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,528 | $14,180 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,197 | $19,479 |
| $110,001+ | $23,811 | $23,426 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Housto... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $107,399 | $71,616 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $98,790 | $86,698 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,275 | $82,322 |
| Management Information Systems | $91,983 | $57,021 |
| Registered Nursing | $91,276 | $83,329 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $84,692 | $41,317 |
| Accounting | $84,668 | $60,160 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $78,009 | $66,917 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,125 | $56,808 |
| Marketing | $68,139 | $62,017 |
| International Relations | $61,533 | $33,968 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $58,705 | $52,078 |
| Biology | $57,716 | $50,181 |
| Music | $56,667 | $22,833 |
| History | $55,475 | $50,387 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Housto... | Texas A & M Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 81 | 50 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 54 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 68 | 22 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 32 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 48 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Houston clearly outperforms Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi (80 vs 48), a 32-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Houston.
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University of Houston
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Below Average 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.