University of Maryland Global Campus vs Texas State University

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Maryland Global Campus and Texas State University come out about even on financial return. University of Maryland Global Campus scores 63/100 and Texas State University scores 63/100 - 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, Texas State University runs $16,805 a year against $22,063 at University of Maryland Global Campus - $5,258 more a year, or about $21,032 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn a median $65,287 against $56,906 at Texas State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at University of Maryland Global Campus and 9.5 years at Texas State University.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Texas State University owing a median $21,000 versus $21,000 at University of Maryland Global Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 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.