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West Texas A & M University vs Our Lady of the Lake University: which has better ROI?

Public, Canyon TX · vs · Private nonprofit, San Antonio TX

The verdict

West Texas A & M University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,948 in 32.7 years versus 208.8 years at Our Lady of the Lake University, on median earnings of $50,741 vs $48,675 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWest Texas A & M UniversityOur Lady of the Lake University
Net price / yr$19,487$16,442
Total net cost$77,948$65,768
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,741$48,675
Median debt$19,500$24,999
Payback32.7 yrs208.8 yrs
20-year net return-$30,328-$59,468

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

Which is cheaper, West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University?

Our Lady of the Lake University, at $16,442 a year after aid versus $19,487 — a gap of $3,045 a year, or $12,180 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University graduates earn more?

West Texas A & M University graduates report a median $50,741 ten years after entry, $2,066 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, West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University?

West Texas A & M University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,999 at Our Lady of the Lake University, a difference of $5,499. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at West Texas A & M University, 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.

West Texas A & M University vs Our Lady of the Lake University: frequently asked questions

Is West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University a better value?
West Texas A & M University. It clears its $77,948 net cost in about 32.7 years versus 208.8 years at Our Lady of the Lake University, on median earnings of $50,741 vs $48,675 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University?
Our Lady of the Lake University: $16,442/yr net price after aid versus $19,487/yr at West Texas A & M University — a difference of $3,045 a year, or about $12,180 over four years.
Do West Texas A & M University or Our Lady of the Lake University graduates earn more?
West Texas A & M University graduates earn a median $50,741 ten years after entry, versus $48,675 at Our Lady of the Lake University — a $2,066 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.