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The University of Texas Permian Basin vs Center for Advanced Legal Studies: which has better ROI?

Public, Odessa TX · vs · Private for-profit, Houston TX

The verdict

The University of Texas Permian Basin has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,892 in 6.6 years versus 6.8 years at Center for Advanced Legal Studies, on median earnings of $56,073 vs $56,561 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas Permian BasinCenter for Advanced Legal Studies
Net price / yr$12,723$13,959
Total net cost$50,892$55,836
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,073$56,561
Median debt$17,750$9,500
Payback6.6 yrs6.8 yrs
20-year net return$103,368$108,184

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Texas Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies?

The University of Texas Permian Basin, at $12,723 a year after aid versus $13,959 — a gap of $1,236 a year, or $4,944 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 Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates earn more?

Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates report a median $56,561 ten years after entry, $488 more than the $56,073 at The University of Texas Permian Basin. 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 Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies?

Center for Advanced Legal Studies: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $17,750 at The University of Texas Permian Basin, a difference of $8,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

62% of students finish at Center for Advanced Legal Studies, against 40% at The University of Texas Permian Basin. 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 Permian Basin vs Center for Advanced Legal Studies: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies a better value?
The University of Texas Permian Basin. It clears its $50,892 net cost in about 6.6 years versus 6.8 years at Center for Advanced Legal Studies, on median earnings of $56,073 vs $56,561 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies?
The University of Texas Permian Basin: $12,723/yr net price after aid versus $13,959/yr at Center for Advanced Legal Studies — a difference of $1,236 a year, or about $4,944 over four years.
Do The University of Texas Permian Basin or Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates earn more?
Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates earn a median $56,561 ten years after entry, versus $56,073 at The University of Texas Permian Basin — a $488 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.