The University of Texas at Austin vs West Coast University-Texas: 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 3.9 years at West Coast University-Texas, on median earnings of $75,121 vs $102,672 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Texas at Austin | West Coast University-Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,857 | $53,020 |
| Total net cost | $79,428 | $212,080 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,121 | $102,672 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $32,946 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 3.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $455,792 | $874,160 |
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 West Coast University-Texas?
The University of Texas at Austin, at $19,857 a year after aid versus $53,020 — a gap of $33,163 a year, or $132,652 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 West Coast University-Texas graduates earn more?
West Coast University-Texas graduates report a median $102,672 ten years after entry, $27,551 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 West Coast University-Texas?
The University of Texas at Austin: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $32,946 at West Coast University-Texas, a difference of $12,446. 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 31% at West Coast 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.