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The University of Texas at Arlington vs The University of Texas at Dallas: which has better ROI?

Public, Arlington TX · vs · Public, Richardson TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The University of Texas at Dallas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,068 in 3.7 years versus 3.8 years at The University of Texas at Arlington, on median earnings of $68,227 vs $63,199 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at ArlingtonThe University of Texas at Dallas
Net price / yr$13,951$18,267
Total net cost$55,804$73,068
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,199$68,227
Median debt$17,527$18,000
Payback3.8 yrs3.7 yrs
20-year net return$240,976$324,272

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas?

The University of Texas at Arlington, at $13,951 a year after aid versus $18,267 — a gap of $4,316 a year, or $17,264 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn more?

The University of Texas at Dallas graduates report a median $68,227 ten years after entry, $5,028 more than the $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington. 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, The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas?

The University of Texas at Arlington: its completers carry a median $17,527 in federal loans versus $18,000 at The University of Texas at Dallas, a difference of $473. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at The University of Texas at Dallas, against 54% at The University of Texas at Arlington. 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.

The University of Texas at Arlington vs The University of Texas at Dallas: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas a better value?
The University of Texas at Dallas. It clears its $73,068 net cost in about 3.7 years versus 3.8 years at The University of Texas at Arlington, on median earnings of $68,227 vs $63,199 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas?
The University of Texas at Arlington: $13,951/yr net price after aid versus $18,267/yr at The University of Texas at Dallas — a difference of $4,316 a year, or about $17,264 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at Arlington or The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn a median $68,227 ten years after entry, versus $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington — a $5,028 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.