The University of Texas at Dallas vs Trinity University: which has better ROI?
The University of Texas at Dallas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,068 in 3.7 years versus 4 years at Trinity University, on median earnings of $68,227 vs $71,668 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Texas at Dallas | Trinity University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,267 | $23,464 |
| Total net cost | $73,068 | $93,856 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,227 | $71,668 |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $22,954 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $324,272 | $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 Dallas or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Dallas, at $18,267 a year after aid versus $23,464 — a gap of $5,197 a year, or $20,788 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 Dallas or Trinity University graduates earn more?
Trinity University graduates report a median $71,668 ten years after entry, $3,441 more than the $68,227 at The University of Texas at Dallas. 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 Dallas or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Dallas: its completers carry a median $18,000 in federal loans versus $22,954 at Trinity University, a difference of $4,954. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Trinity University, against 76% at The University of Texas at Dallas. 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.