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Saint Edward's University vs University of Dallas: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Austin TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Irving TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Dallas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,440 in 9.1 years versus 9.8 years at Saint Edward's University, on median earnings of $58,285 vs $58,826 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaint Edward's UniversityUniversity of Dallas
Net price / yr$25,578$22,610
Total net cost$102,312$90,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,826$58,285
Median debt$24,803$23,117
Payback9.8 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$107,008$108,060

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas?

University of Dallas, at $22,610 a year after aid versus $25,578 — a gap of $2,968 a year, or $11,872 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas graduates earn more?

Saint Edward's University graduates report a median $58,826 ten years after entry, $541 more than the $58,285 at University of Dallas. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas?

University of Dallas: its completers carry a median $23,117 in federal loans versus $24,803 at Saint Edward's University, a difference of $1,686. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at University of Dallas, against 63% at Saint Edward's University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Saint Edward's University vs University of Dallas: frequently asked questions

Is Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas a better value?
University of Dallas. It clears its $90,440 net cost in about 9.1 years versus 9.8 years at Saint Edward's University, on median earnings of $58,285 vs $58,826 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas?
University of Dallas: $22,610/yr net price after aid versus $25,578/yr at Saint Edward's University — a difference of $2,968 a year, or about $11,872 over four years.
Do Saint Edward's University or University of Dallas graduates earn more?
Saint Edward's University graduates earn a median $58,826 ten years after entry, versus $58,285 at University of Dallas — a $541 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.