Southern Methodist University vs Texas A&M University-Victoria: which has better ROI?
Texas A&M University-Victoria has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $32,436 in 5.3 years versus 5.5 years at Southern Methodist University, on median earnings of $54,467 vs $78,354 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southern Methodist University | Texas A&M University-Victoria |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,892 | $8,109 |
| Total net cost | $163,568 | $32,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,354 | $54,467 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,973 |
| Payback | 5.5 yrs | 5.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $436,312 | $89,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-Victoria?
Texas A&M University-Victoria, at $8,109 a year after aid versus $40,892 — a gap of $32,783 a year, or $131,132 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-Victoria graduates earn more?
Southern Methodist University graduates report a median $78,354 ten years after entry, $23,887 more than the $54,467 at Texas A&M University-Victoria. 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, Southern Methodist University or Texas A&M University-Victoria?
Texas A&M University-Victoria: its completers carry a median $18,973 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Southern Methodist University, a difference of $527. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Southern Methodist University, against 26% at Texas A&M University-Victoria. 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.