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The University of Texas at San Antonio vs Southern Methodist University: which has better ROI?

Public, San Antonio TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Dallas 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 5.5 years at Southern Methodist University, on median earnings of $57,131 vs $78,354 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at San AntonioSouthern Methodist University
Net price / yr$10,836$40,892
Total net cost$43,344$163,568
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,131$78,354
Median debt$20,500$19,500
Payback4.9 yrs5.5 yrs
20-year net return$132,076$436,312

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 Southern Methodist University?

The University of Texas at San Antonio, at $10,836 a year after aid versus $40,892 — a gap of $30,056 a year, or $120,224 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 Southern Methodist University graduates earn more?

Southern Methodist University graduates report a median $78,354 ten years after entry, $21,223 more than the $57,131 at The University of Texas at San Antonio. 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 Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,500 at The University of Texas at San Antonio, a difference of $1,000. 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 Southern Methodist University, against 53% at The University of Texas at San Antonio. 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 Southern Methodist University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at San Antonio or Southern Methodist University a better value?
The University of Texas at San Antonio. It clears its $43,344 net cost in about 4.9 years versus 5.5 years at Southern Methodist University, on median earnings of $57,131 vs $78,354 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at San Antonio or Southern Methodist University?
The University of Texas at San Antonio: $10,836/yr net price after aid versus $40,892/yr at Southern Methodist University — a difference of $30,056 a year, or about $120,224 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at San Antonio or Southern Methodist University graduates earn more?
Southern Methodist University graduates earn a median $78,354 ten years after entry, versus $57,131 at The University of Texas at San Antonio — a $21,223 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.