At $15,235/yr net price, The University of Texas at Arlington graduates earn $63,199/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,199/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,235 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,199/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,199/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,527 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,535/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,225/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,602/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,025/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,617/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $135,393 | $46,590 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 | $48,470 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $80,862 | $31,540 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | $35,750 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $76,460 | $24,809 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $73,299 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,515 | $17,421 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,225 | $19,083 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,897 | $17,899 |
The Risk Factor
56.5% of students at The University of Texas at Arlington graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The University of Texas at Arlington delivers solid financial returns with a relatively low cost of attendance and manageable debt loads. Your median debt of under $18,000 keeps monthly payments reasonable, while the median earnings of $63,199 ten years out provide decent payback potential.
The nursing programs stand out as strong investments, with some graduates earning over $135,000 annually. Engineering programs also perform well, particularly mechanical and civil engineering, offering strong salaries with moderate debt levels. These technical fields align well with Dallas-Fort Worth's aerospace, defense, and infrastructure sectors.
The main financial risk lies in the 56% graduation rate. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the earning power to justify it. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or financial pressures.
This school works best if you're pursuing high-demand technical fields like nursing or engineering, or if you need an affordable path to a bachelor's degree while living in the Dallas area. The low net price makes it accessible for Texas residents, and the proximity to major employers creates internship and job opportunities.
Avoid UTA if you're considering programs outside the strong technical offerings, as the data suggests weaker returns in other fields. The relatively low aid percentage means you shouldn't count on significant financial assistance beyond what's typical for Texas public universities. Focus on graduating within four years to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas at Arlington worth the cost?
UTA offers decent value with a net price of $15,235 and graduates earning $63,199 after 10 years. The nursing programs provide excellent returns with graduates earning over $100,000, but the 56% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Texas at Arlington?
Nursing programs at UTA lead earnings with graduates making $106,000-$135,000 annually. Engineering majors also perform well, with mechanical engineers earning around $82,000 and civil engineers making $76,000.
How much debt do students graduate with from The University of Texas at Arlington?
UTA graduates leave with a median debt of $17,527, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level is reasonable given the school's relatively low net price and solid post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at The University of Texas at Arlington?
Only 56% of students graduate from UTA within six years. This below-average completion rate is a significant concern, as nearly half of students don't finish their degrees despite the school's high acceptance rate of 81%.