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 gives you a strong financial return. You pay under $20,000 a year net, carry a median debt of $20,500, and hit median earnings above $75,000 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings gap is healthy, and the 87.6% grad rate plus 96% retention mean you're very likely to finish and start paying that debt down instead of dropping out with loans and no degree.
Engineering is where the payoff is steepest. Petroleum engineering clears $88,000 while leaving you with the lowest debt of any top program at $17,239, so you come out ahead on both ends. Chemical and electrical engineering both land in the low $80,000s. This tracks with Texas itself: the oil, gas, and semiconductor economy around Austin, Houston, and Dallas hires these graduates directly. Computer science pays about $79,500, which fits Austin's tech job market. Business/commerce sits lowest of the top five near $76,000, still solid but the clearest step down.
The main financial risk is major choice. The programs listed here are the winners. a degree outside engineering, CS, or business won't carry the same earning power, and the same tuition buys you a weaker return. Pick your major with the paycheck in mind.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $12,972. over $110,000, you pay $28,972, more than double. Aid meaningfully cuts the cost for you if you come from a lower-income household.
UT Austin fits you if you're aiming at engineering, computing, or business and want a public-school price with private-school-level completion odds. If you're set on a lower-earning field, the numbers still work, but the margin is thinner and your major matters more than the school's name.
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.