Texas A&M University-Kingsville vs Abilene Christian University: which has better ROI?
Abilene Christian University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $104,728 in 14.2 years versus 15.7 years at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, on median earnings of $55,736 vs $51,450 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Texas A&M University-Kingsville | Abilene Christian University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,090 | $26,182 |
| Total net cost | $48,360 | $104,728 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,450 | $55,736 |
| Median debt | $22,934 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 15.7 yrs | 14.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $13,440 | $42,792 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Texas A&M University-Kingsville or Abilene Christian University?
Texas A&M University-Kingsville, at $12,090 a year after aid versus $26,182 — a gap of $14,092 a year, or $56,368 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-Kingsville or Abilene Christian University graduates earn more?
Abilene Christian University graduates report a median $55,736 ten years after entry, $4,286 more than the $51,450 at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. 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-Kingsville or Abilene Christian University?
Texas A&M University-Kingsville: its completers carry a median $22,934 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Abilene Christian University, a difference of $1,316. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at Abilene Christian University, against 42% at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. 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.