Texas State University vs Texas A&M University-San Antonio: which has better ROI?
Texas A&M University-San Antonio has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $44,784 in 7.5 years versus 7.9 years at Texas State University, on median earnings of $54,338 vs $56,906 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Texas State University | Texas A&M University-San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,805 | $11,196 |
| Total net cost | $67,220 | $44,784 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,906 | $54,338 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,401 |
| Payback | 7.9 yrs | 7.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $103,700 | $74,776 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Texas State University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Texas A&M University-San Antonio, at $11,196 a year after aid versus $16,805 — a gap of $5,609 a year, or $22,436 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 State University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio graduates earn more?
Texas State University graduates report a median $56,906 ten years after entry, $2,568 more than the $54,338 at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. 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 State University or Texas A&M University-San Antonio?
Texas A&M University-San Antonio: its completers carry a median $18,401 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Texas State University, a difference of $2,599. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Texas State University, against 40% at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. 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.