The University of Texas Permian Basin vs University of St Thomas: which has better ROI?
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 7.1 years at University of St Thomas, on median earnings of $56,073 vs $59,224 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Texas Permian Basin | University of St Thomas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,723 | $19,359 |
| Total net cost | $50,892 | $77,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,073 | $59,224 |
| Median debt | $17,750 | $19,928 |
| Payback | 6.6 yrs | 7.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $103,368 | $139,844 |
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 University of St Thomas?
The University of Texas Permian Basin, at $12,723 a year after aid versus $19,359 — a gap of $6,636 a year, or $26,544 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 University of St Thomas graduates earn more?
University of St Thomas graduates report a median $59,224 ten years after entry, $3,151 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 University of St Thomas?
The University of Texas Permian Basin: its completers carry a median $17,750 in federal loans versus $19,928 at University of St Thomas, a difference of $2,178. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at University of St Thomas, 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.