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

Public, Arlington TX · vs · Private nonprofit, San Antonio 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 Arlington has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,804 in 3.8 years versus 4 years at Trinity University, on median earnings of $63,199 vs $71,668 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at ArlingtonTrinity University
Net price / yr$13,951$23,464
Total net cost$55,804$93,856
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,199$71,668
Median debt$17,527$22,954
Payback3.8 yrs4 yrs
20-year net return$240,976$372,304

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 Trinity University?

The University of Texas at Arlington, at $13,951 a year after aid versus $23,464 — a gap of $9,513 a year, or $38,052 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 Trinity University graduates earn more?

Trinity University graduates report a median $71,668 ten years after entry, $8,469 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 Trinity University?

The University of Texas at Arlington: its completers carry a median $17,527 in federal loans versus $22,954 at Trinity University, a difference of $5,427. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

84% of students finish at Trinity University, 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 Trinity University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at Arlington or Trinity University a better value?
The University of Texas at Arlington. It clears its $55,804 net cost in about 3.8 years versus 4 years at Trinity University, on median earnings of $63,199 vs $71,668 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Arlington or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Arlington: $13,951/yr net price after aid versus $23,464/yr at Trinity University — a difference of $9,513 a year, or about $38,052 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at Arlington or Trinity University graduates earn more?
Trinity University graduates earn a median $71,668 ten years after entry, versus $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington — a $8,469 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.