Texas A&M University-College Station vs The University of Texas at Austin: which has better ROI?
The University of Texas at Austin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,428 in 3 years versus 3.6 years at Texas A&M University-College Station, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $72,097 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Texas A&M University-College Station | The University of Texas at Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,315 | $19,857 |
| Total net cost | $85,260 | $79,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $72,097 | $75,121 |
| Median debt | $17,804 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 3.6 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $389,480 | $455,792 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin, at $19,857 a year after aid versus $21,315 — a gap of $1,458 a year, or $5,832 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates report a median $75,121 ten years after entry, $3,024 more than the $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. 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, Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Texas at Austin?
Texas A&M University-College Station: its completers carry a median $17,804 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at Austin, a difference of $2,696. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
89% of students finish at The University of Texas at Austin, against 84% at Texas A&M University-College Station. 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.