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Texas State University vs University of Dallas: which has better ROI?

Public, San Marcos TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Irving TX

The verdict

Texas State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,220 in 7.9 years versus 9.1 years at University of Dallas, on median earnings of $56,906 vs $58,285 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTexas State UniversityUniversity of Dallas
Net price / yr$16,805$22,610
Total net cost$67,220$90,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,906$58,285
Median debt$21,000$23,117
Payback7.9 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$103,700$108,060

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Texas State University or University of Dallas?

Texas State University, at $16,805 a year after aid versus $22,610 — a gap of $5,805 a year, or $23,220 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 University of Dallas graduates earn more?

University of Dallas graduates report a median $58,285 ten years after entry, $1,379 more than the $56,906 at Texas 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, Texas State University or University of Dallas?

Texas State University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $23,117 at University of Dallas, a difference of $2,117. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at University of Dallas, against 55% at Texas 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.

Texas State University vs University of Dallas: frequently asked questions

Is Texas State University or University of Dallas a better value?
Texas State University. It clears its $67,220 net cost in about 7.9 years versus 9.1 years at University of Dallas, on median earnings of $56,906 vs $58,285 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Texas State University or University of Dallas?
Texas State University: $16,805/yr net price after aid versus $22,610/yr at University of Dallas — a difference of $5,805 a year, or about $23,220 over four years.
Do Texas State University or University of Dallas graduates earn more?
University of Dallas graduates earn a median $58,285 ten years after entry, versus $56,906 at Texas State University — a $1,379 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.