Universal Technical Institute-West Texas vs Our Lady of the Lake University: which has better ROI?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $104,468 in 36.5 years versus 208.8 years at Our Lady of the Lake University, on median earnings of $51,222 vs $48,675 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Universal Technical Institute-West Texas | Our Lady of the Lake University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,117 | $16,442 |
| Total net cost | $104,468 | $65,768 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,222 | $48,675 |
| Median debt | $14,267 | $24,999 |
| Payback | 36.5 yrs | 208.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$47,228 | -$59,468 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Universal Technical Institute-West Texas or Our Lady of the Lake University?
Our Lady of the Lake University, at $16,442 a year after aid versus $26,117 — a gap of $9,675 a year, or $38,700 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Universal Technical Institute-West Texas or Our Lady of the Lake University graduates earn more?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas graduates report a median $51,222 ten years after entry, $2,547 more than the $48,675 at Our Lady of the Lake University. 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, Universal Technical Institute-West Texas or Our Lady of the Lake University?
Universal Technical Institute-West Texas: its completers carry a median $14,267 in federal loans versus $24,999 at Our Lady of the Lake University, a difference of $10,732. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Universal Technical Institute-West Texas, against 46% at Our Lady of the Lake University. 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.