Stephen F Austin State University vs Universal Technical Institute-West Texas: which has better ROI?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $104,468 in 36.5 years versus 44.8 years at Stephen F Austin State University, on median earnings of $51,222 vs $49,634 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stephen F Austin State University | Universal Technical Institute-West Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,260 | $26,117 |
| Total net cost | $57,040 | $104,468 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,634 | $51,222 |
| Median debt | $23,409 | $14,267 |
| Payback | 44.8 yrs | 36.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$31,560 | -$47,228 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stephen F Austin State University or Universal Technical Institute-West Texas?
Stephen F Austin State University, at $14,260 a year after aid versus $26,117 — a gap of $11,857 a year, or $47,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Stephen F Austin State University or Universal Technical Institute-West Texas graduates earn more?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas graduates report a median $51,222 ten years after entry, $1,588 more than the $49,634 at Stephen F Austin State University. 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, Stephen F Austin State University or Universal Technical Institute-West Texas?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas: its completers carry a median $14,267 in federal loans versus $23,409 at Stephen F Austin State University, a difference of $9,142. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Universal Technical Institute-West Texas, against 53% at Stephen F Austin State 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.