University of Dallas
Irving, Texas · Private Nonprofit · 53.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 62/100 · Fair Value
The University of Dallas earns a Fair Value ROI score of 62 - a respectable showing for a small Catholic liberal arts college in the DFW metro. Tuition lists at $53,930, but generous aid drops net price to $22,610 (four-year cost $90,440). Completion rate of 73.1% scores 83 out of 100 - genuinely strong for a small private and a marker of academic seriousness. The repayment rate of 83.2% is excellent: borrowers here actually pay down their loans. Median earnings six years out are modest at $37,400, climbing to $58,285 by year ten - the classic liberal-arts trajectory where graduates start slow and accelerate. Payback period of 9.9 years is reasonable. The drag is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.618 against median debt of $23,117; even with aid, the price tag relative to early-career earnings creates real strain. As of 2024-2025 Scorecard data, UD's value proposition rests on its distinctive Great Books curriculum and the durable career outcomes of motivated graduates - economics, business, and international relations majors do meaningfully better than the humanities-focused majors that define the school's identity.
University of Dallas
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $53,930/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $53,930/yr |
| Average net price | $22,610/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $90,440 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,285 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,117 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $245 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 73.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,403 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Dallas is $53,930/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,610/year, or roughly $90,440 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,711/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $32,608/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,117 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $245 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $58,285 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.62 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $12,711 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,431 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,075 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,384 |
| $110,001+ | $32,608 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $12,711 net - genuinely generous aid that brings UD within reach of Pell-eligible students. Four-year cost around $51,000. Against modest immediate earnings, students should budget carefully; the math works for completers in stronger programs. UD's high completion rate and 83% repayment rate suggest the institution supports lower-income students well in practice.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($48,001-$75,000) pay $17,075 - a reasonable price for a strong Catholic liberal arts experience. Four-year cost near $68,000. The brackets are progressive (no inversions), which is the hallmark of need-based aid done well. Combined with high completion and repayment rates, the middle-income value proposition is solid.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($110,001+) pay $32,608 - well above the lower brackets but still a meaningful discount off the $53,930 sticker. Four-year cost approaches $130,000. For families that can afford it and value the Catholic Great Books curriculum, UD offers a distinctive product that few schools replicate. Full-pay families should weigh the modest earnings outcomes against the qualitative experience.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at University of Dallas with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,039 | C |
| English Language and Literature | $50,113 | C |
| Biology | $53,322 | D |
| International Relations | $61,484 | C+ |
| Psychology | $34,302 | D |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $49,564 | - |
| History | $45,559 | - |
| Economics | $78,699 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
UD's largest program with 61 graduates annually. First-year earnings of $40,057 climb sharply to $70,039 by year four - one of the steeper trajectories at the school, reflecting strong DFW business-market placement. Median debt of $24,093 produces a 0.601 ratio and C ROI grade. Career paths include corporate finance, accounting, and small business management. A reasonable financial bet within UD's offerings.
Biology
Biology graduates 39 students annually with weak immediate outcomes: first-year earnings of just $30,920 against $24,250 debt yields a 0.784 ratio and D ROI grade. Earnings recover to $53,322 by year four, consistent with many graduates entering medical, dental, or PA school. The bachelor's-only economic case is poor; UD's biology program functions as a pre-health pipeline rather than a standalone professional degree.
English Language and Literature
English graduates 39 students annually with first-year earnings of $35,038 and four-year earnings of $50,113. Median debt of $20,247 produces a 0.578 ratio and C ROI grade - actually one of the more reasonable English-major economic profiles given UD's relatively contained borrowing. Career paths include teaching, writing, editing, and graduate school. The math is tight but not catastrophic.
International Relations
International Relations graduates 33 students annually with first-year earnings of $41,639 climbing to $61,484 by year four. Median debt of $21,500 is relatively low for UD, producing a 0.516 ratio and C+ ROI grade. UD's Rome semester and reputation for political-philosophy seriousness support placements in policy, NGO, and intelligence careers. A solid program within the school's lineup.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 23 students annually with first-year earnings of $34,302 against $25,622 debt - a 0.747 ratio and D ROI grade. Bachelor's-only psychology rarely produces strong immediate earnings; graduate study is usually required for meaningful licensure-track careers. Students drawn to UD's psychology should plan for additional schooling.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 85.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 85.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 53.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 540-670 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-700 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-29 |
| Enrollment | 1,403 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 25.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,867 |
UD admits 53.4% of applicants - moderately selective, especially within Texas private colleges. SAT mid-ranges (540-670 math, 580-700 reading) and ACT 22-29 indicate a student body with above-average academic preparation. This profile is consistent with the strong 73% completion rate: students arrive academically prepared and the school's small classes and demanding core curriculum support them to graduation. Compared to peer institutions, UD attracts notably stronger test takers than open-admission Catholic schools.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UD's peers include Abilene Christian University, Arlington Baptist University, AdventHealth University, Walla Walla University, and Allegheny College. Within this group UD's 62 score outperforms most religiously affiliated peers - Abilene Christian and Walla Walla typically score in the 50s, while Arlington Baptist sits considerably lower. Allegheny College is the closest secular liberal-arts comparison and scores in a similar range. UD's blend of Catholic identity and academic rigor produces stronger outcomes than typical religiously affiliated peers.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dallas (this school) | 62 | $22,610 | $58,285 |
| AdventHealth University | 63 | $30,135 | $72,282 |
| Allegheny College | 63 | $22,940 | $62,069 |
| Walla Walla University | 62 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| Abilene Christian University | 51 | $26,182 | $55,736 |
| Arlington Baptist University | 14 | $24,906 | $44,644 |
Who Thrives Here
UD fits intellectually serious students drawn to Great Books, Catholic intellectual tradition, and small-college teaching. Enrollment of 1,403 is genuinely intimate. Pell rate of 25.9% is moderate-low, reflecting a relatively privileged student body. Outcomes are strongest for economics (B grade), international relations (C+), and business (C) majors. Students choosing English, theology, or biology should expect modest early-career earnings; many UD graduates pursue graduate study or careers (law, medicine, academia, ministry) where the bachelor's is a stepping stone, not the endpoint.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Dallas offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $22,610 per year leads to $90,440 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $58,285 a decade out. The payback period of 9.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 73.1% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $23,117 against $58,285 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.