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

Public, Austin 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 Austin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,428 in 3 years versus 4 years at Trinity University, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $71,668 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at AustinTrinity University
Net price / yr$19,857$23,464
Total net cost$79,428$93,856
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,121$71,668
Median debt$20,500$22,954
Payback3 yrs4 yrs
20-year net return$455,792$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 Austin or Trinity University?

The University of Texas at Austin, at $19,857 a year after aid versus $23,464 — a gap of $3,607 a year, or $14,428 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 Trinity University graduates earn more?

The University of Texas at Austin graduates report a median $75,121 ten years after entry, $3,453 more than the $71,668 at Trinity University. 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 Trinity University?

The University of Texas at Austin: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,954 at Trinity University, a difference of $2,454. 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 84% at Trinity University. 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 Trinity University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University a better value?
The University of Texas at Austin. It clears its $79,428 net cost in about 3 years versus 4 years at Trinity University, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $71,668 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Austin: $19,857/yr net price after aid versus $23,464/yr at Trinity University — a difference of $3,607 a year, or about $14,428 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn a median $75,121 ten years after entry, versus $71,668 at Trinity University — a $3,453 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.