At $17,435/yr net price, The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn $68,227/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,227/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,435 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,227/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,227/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,089/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,910/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,813/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,886/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,491/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $101,406 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $94,674 | $49,818 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $94,408 | $22,374 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $81,333 | $33,305 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $75,518 | $32,797 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,953 | $21,375 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,098 | $24,125 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,324 | $17,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $64,990 |
The Risk Factor
70.8% of students at The University of Texas at Dallas graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Texas at Dallas delivers strong financial returns, particularly if you study engineering or computer science. The median graduate earns $68,227 within ten years of graduation, while paying just $17,435 annually in net costs.
Your major choice determines your financial outcome at UTD. Systems Engineering graduates earn over $100,000, while Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors both hit $94,000. Business Administration also pays well at nearly $95,000, though graduates carry significantly higher debt loads at almost $50,000. These technical fields align perfectly with Dallas's booming tech sector and corporate headquarters.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in choosing the wrong program. While STEM majors thrive financially, other disciplines may struggle to justify the investment given Dallas's job market priorities. You'll also compete with graduates from UT Austin, which carries more brand recognition in certain industries.
UTD works best financially if you can study engineering, computer science, or business while keeping debt low. The relatively low median debt of $18,000 suggests many students graduate without excessive borrowing. The 88% retention rate indicates most students stick with their programs, reducing the risk of paying for credits that don't lead to a degree.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school attracts many middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance but may benefit from merit scholarships. Texas residents get the biggest advantage from the low in-state pricing structure.
If you're planning to study liberal arts or social sciences, you'll likely find better ROI elsewhere. UTD's strength lies in technical fields where Dallas employers actively recruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas at Dallas worth the cost?
UT Dallas offers solid ROI with graduates earning $68,227 after 10 years and typical debt of only $18,000. The engineering and computer science programs deliver particularly strong returns, with some majors earning over $100,000 annually.
What are the highest paying majors at The University of Texas at Dallas?
Systems Engineering leads at $101,406 annually, followed by Business Administration at $94,674 and Computer Science at $94,408. These tech-focused programs justify the investment better than most other majors at the school.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from The University of Texas at Dallas?
The median debt is $18,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load combined with decent starting salaries makes UT Dallas a reasonable financial choice for most students.
Does The University of Texas at Dallas have good job placement after graduation?
With a 70.8% graduation rate and strong earnings in STEM fields, job prospects are decent but not exceptional. Students in engineering and computer science fare much better than those in other programs.