At $19,678/yr net price, The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $75,121/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,121/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,678 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,121/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,121/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,972/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,543/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,618/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,697/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,972/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $131,707 | $91,092 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,124 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Doctoral | $110,878 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $102,706 | $53,416 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $100,607 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Doctoral | $90,412 | |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $89,305 |
The Risk Factor
87.6% of students at The University of Texas at Austin graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UT Austin delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $75,121 placing graduates well above national averages, particularly impressive given the $19,678 annual net cost. The engineering and business programs justify their higher debt loads with six-figure starting salaries, making them clear winners for career earnings potential.
Computer science and electrical engineering graduates earn over $109,000, while business administration tops the list at $131,707 despite carrying $91,092 in debt. These technical and business programs benefit from Austin's booming tech scene and corporate headquarters, creating abundant high-paying opportunities for UT graduates.
The 87% graduation rate and 96% retention rate indicate strong academic support, reducing the risk of dropping out with debt and no degree. However, only 25% of students receive financial aid, meaning most families pay close to full price unless they qualify for merit scholarships or in-state tuition.
You should target UT Austin if you plan to study engineering, computer science, or business and can handle the academic rigor. The relatively low median debt of $20,500 makes this school financially accessible for most majors. Texas residents get the best deal with in-state tuition, while out-of-state students face higher costs that may not pay off for lower-earning majors.
Avoid UT Austin if you're considering liberal arts or education programs where the career earnings may not justify even the moderate debt levels. The competitive admission process means you need strong academics to gain entry, and weaker students risk struggling in the demanding coursework that drives these high graduation and retention rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas at Austin worth the cost?
With a net price of $19,678 and graduates earning $75,121 ten years later, UT Austin offers solid ROI for most students. The relatively low debt load of $20,500 and strong 88% graduation rate make it a safer investment than many schools.
What are the highest paying majors at The University of Texas at Austin?
Business Administration leads at $131,707, followed by Pharmacy at $120,124 and Electrical Engineering at $110,878. These programs justify the cost, while liberal arts majors may see lower returns on their investment.
How much debt do The University of Texas at Austin graduates have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable compared to the $75,121 average salary ten years after graduation. Most graduates can pay this off within a reasonable timeframe.
Does The University of Texas at Austin give good financial aid?
The net price of $19,678 suggests decent aid for Texas residents, though out-of-state students face much higher costs. Texas residents get the best value, while others should carefully consider the full price tag.