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The University of Texas at San Antonio vs Northwest Vista College: which has better ROI?

Public, San Antonio TX · vs · Public, 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 San Antonio has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,344 in 4.9 years versus not at all at Northwest Vista College, on median earnings of $57,131 vs $42,490 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at San AntonioNorthwest Vista College
Net price / yr$10,836$4,525
Total net cost$43,344$9,050
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,131$42,490
Median debt$20,500$9,400
Payback4.9 yrs—
20-year net return$132,076-$126,450

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at San Antonio or Northwest Vista College?

Northwest Vista College, at $4,525 a year after aid versus $10,836 — a gap of $6,311 a year, or $34,294 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 San Antonio or Northwest Vista College graduates earn more?

The University of Texas at San Antonio graduates report a median $57,131 ten years after entry, $14,641 more than the $42,490 at Northwest Vista College. 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 San Antonio or Northwest Vista College?

Northwest Vista College: its completers carry a median $9,400 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at San Antonio, a difference of $11,100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

53% of students finish at The University of Texas at San Antonio, against 32% at Northwest Vista College. 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 San Antonio vs Northwest Vista College: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at San Antonio or Northwest Vista College a better value?
The University of Texas at San Antonio. It clears its $43,344 net cost in about 4.9 years versus no clear payback at Northwest Vista College, on median earnings of $57,131 vs $42,490 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at San Antonio or Northwest Vista College?
Northwest Vista College: $4,525/yr net price after aid versus $10,836/yr at The University of Texas at San Antonio — a difference of $6,311 a year, or about $34,294 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at San Antonio or Northwest Vista College graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at San Antonio graduates earn a median $57,131 ten years after entry, versus $42,490 at Northwest Vista College — a $14,641 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.