The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas · Public · 94.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,987/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $19,827/yr |
| Average net price | $4,831/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $19,324 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,620 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $34,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $12,950 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $137 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 28,666 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,785 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,877 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,665 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,972 |
| $110,001+ | $13,782 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $47,954 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,979 | B |
| Psychology | $40,140 | C+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $56,493 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,769 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $88,067 | A |
| Social Work | $50,073 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $49,595 | C+ |
| Accounting | $53,420 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,940 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is $9,987/year ($19,827/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $4,831/year, or roughly $19,324 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $3,785/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $13,782/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $12,950 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $137 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $49,620 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.38 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 56.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 61.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 55.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 420-530 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 460-560 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 15-21 |
| Enrollment | 28,666 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 65.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,041 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (this school) | 69 | $4,831 | $49,620 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | 69 | $21,279 | $60,543 |
| University of Kentucky | 69 | $18,851 | $59,025 |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 67 | $10,359 | $55,037 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | 48 | $15,225 | $51,865 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $4,831 per year leads to $19,324 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $49,620 a decade out. The payback period of 10.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 50.9% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $12,950 is very manageable against $49,620 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.