The University of Texas at Austin vs Austin Community College District: which has better ROI?
The University of Texas at Austin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,428 in 3 years versus not at all at Austin Community College District, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $43,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin Community College District |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,857 | $6,390 |
| Total net cost | $79,428 | $12,780 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,121 | $43,177 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $10,499 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $455,792 | -$116,440 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Austin or Austin Community College District?
Austin Community College District, at $6,390 a year after aid versus $19,857 — a gap of $13,467 a year, or $66,648 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 Austin or Austin Community College District graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates report a median $75,121 ten years after entry, $31,944 more than the $43,177 at Austin Community College District. 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 Austin or Austin Community College District?
Austin Community College District: its completers carry a median $10,499 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at Austin, a difference of $10,001. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
89% of students finish at The University of Texas at Austin, against 20% at Austin Community College District. 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.