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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Dallas Baptist University: which has better ROI?

Public, Edinburg TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Dallas TX

The verdict

Dallas Baptist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,064 in 13.5 years versus 15.3 years at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, on median earnings of $56,807 vs $49,620 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyDallas Baptist University
Net price / yr$4,831$28,516
Total net cost$19,324$114,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,620$56,807
Median debt$12,950$21,591
Payback15.3 yrs13.5 yrs
20-year net return$5,876$54,876

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University?

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, at $4,831 a year after aid versus $28,516 — a gap of $23,685 a year, or $94,740 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 Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University graduates earn more?

Dallas Baptist University graduates report a median $56,807 ten years after entry, $7,187 more than the $49,620 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 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 Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University?

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: its completers carry a median $12,950 in federal loans versus $21,591 at Dallas Baptist University, a difference of $8,641. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Dallas Baptist University, against 51% at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 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 Rio Grande Valley vs Dallas Baptist University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University a better value?
Dallas Baptist University. It clears its $114,064 net cost in about 13.5 years versus 15.3 years at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, on median earnings of $56,807 vs $49,620 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: $4,831/yr net price after aid versus $28,516/yr at Dallas Baptist University — a difference of $23,685 a year, or about $94,740 over four years.
Do The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or Dallas Baptist University graduates earn more?
Dallas Baptist University graduates earn a median $56,807 ten years after entry, versus $49,620 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — a $7,187 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.