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

Public, Austin TX · vs · Public, Arlington 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 Austin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,428 in 3 years versus 3.8 years at The University of Texas at Arlington, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $63,199 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at AustinThe University of Texas at Arlington
Net price / yr$19,857$13,951
Total net cost$79,428$55,804
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,121$63,199
Median debt$20,500$17,527
Payback3 yrs3.8 yrs
20-year net return$455,792$240,976

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 The University of Texas at Arlington?

The University of Texas at Arlington, at $13,951 a year after aid versus $19,857 — a gap of $5,906 a year, or $23,624 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 The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn more?

The University of Texas at Austin graduates report a median $75,121 ten years after entry, $11,922 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 Austin or The University of Texas at Arlington?

The University of Texas at Arlington: its completers carry a median $17,527 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at Austin, a difference of $2,973. 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 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 Austin vs The University of Texas at Arlington: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at Austin or The University of Texas at Arlington a better value?
The University of Texas at Austin. It clears its $79,428 net cost in about 3 years versus 3.8 years at The University of Texas at Arlington, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $63,199 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Austin or The University of Texas at Arlington?
The University of Texas at Arlington: $13,951/yr net price after aid versus $19,857/yr at The University of Texas at Austin — a difference of $5,906 a year, or about $23,624 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn a median $75,121 ten years after entry, versus $63,199 at The University of Texas at Arlington — a $11,922 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.