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The University of Texas at Tyler vs University of Houston-Clear Lake: which has better ROI?

Public, Tyler TX · vs · Public, Houston TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Houston-Clear Lake has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,252 in 5.8 years versus 6.1 years at The University of Texas at Tyler, on median earnings of $59,004 vs $57,053 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas at TylerUniversity of Houston-Clear Lake
Net price / yr$13,323$15,563
Total net cost$53,292$62,252
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,053$59,004
Median debt$17,137$17,831
Payback6.1 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$120,568$150,628

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake?

The University of Texas at Tyler, at $13,323 a year after aid versus $15,563 — a gap of $2,240 a year, or $8,960 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 Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn more?

University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates report a median $59,004 ten years after entry, $1,951 more than the $57,053 at The University of Texas at Tyler. 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 Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake?

The University of Texas at Tyler: its completers carry a median $17,137 in federal loans versus $17,831 at University of Houston-Clear Lake, a difference of $694. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at The University of Texas at Tyler, against 52% at University of Houston-Clear Lake. 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 Tyler vs University of Houston-Clear Lake: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas at Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake a better value?
University of Houston-Clear Lake. It clears its $62,252 net cost in about 5.8 years versus 6.1 years at The University of Texas at Tyler, on median earnings of $59,004 vs $57,053 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas at Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake?
The University of Texas at Tyler: $13,323/yr net price after aid versus $15,563/yr at University of Houston-Clear Lake — a difference of $2,240 a year, or about $8,960 over four years.
Do The University of Texas at Tyler or University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn more?
University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn a median $59,004 ten years after entry, versus $57,053 at The University of Texas at Tyler — a $1,951 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.