The University of Texas at Austin vs Chamberlain University-Texas: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-Texas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $128,836 in 2.9 years versus 3 years at The University of Texas at Austin, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $75,121 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Texas at Austin | Chamberlain University-Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,857 | $32,209 |
| Total net cost | $79,428 | $128,836 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,121 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $455,792 | $752,064 |
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 Chamberlain University-Texas?
The University of Texas at Austin, at $19,857 a year after aid versus $32,209 — a gap of $12,352 a year, or $49,408 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 Chamberlain University-Texas graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Texas graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $17,284 more than the $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. 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 Chamberlain University-Texas?
The University of Texas at Austin: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Texas, a difference of $419. 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 25% at Chamberlain University-Texas. 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.