University of Houston vs The University of Texas at Arlington: which has better ROI?
The University of Texas at Arlington has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,804 in 3.8 years versus 4.1 years at University of Houston, on median earnings of $63,199 vs $62,377 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Houston | The University of Texas at Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,276 | $13,951 |
| Total net cost | $57,104 | $55,804 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,377 | $63,199 |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $17,527 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $223,236 | $240,976 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Houston or The University of Texas at Arlington?
The University of Texas at Arlington, at $13,951 a year after aid versus $14,276 — a gap of $325 a year, or $1,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Houston or The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Arlington graduates report a median $63,199 ten years after entry, $822 more than the $62,377 at University of Houston. 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, University of Houston or The University of Texas at Arlington?
The University of Texas at Arlington: its completers carry a median $17,527 in federal loans versus $18,194 at University of Houston, a difference of $667. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at University of Houston, against 54% at The University of Texas at Arlington. 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.