At $6,500/yr net price, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earn $49,620/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,620/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,500 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,620/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,620/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,950 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,006/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,775/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,104/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,528/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $109,235 | $73,496 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 | $23,302 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,516 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $61,516 | $25,578 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,334 | $11,208 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,234 | $17,819 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,693 | $17,892 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $55,151 | $29,158 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $53,810 | |
| Biology, General. | Master | $53,697 | $17,000 |
The Risk Factor
49.3% of students at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 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 Rio Grande Valley delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right majors, with an extremely low net price of $6,500 annually making it accessible even if graduation rates lag at 49%.
Your best financial bets are healthcare programs. Allied health diagnostic and treatment fields lead with $109,235 median earnings, though the $73,496 debt load requires careful consideration. Nursing programs offer excellent returns with earnings over $100,000 and manageable debt around $23,302. Business administration and communication disorders both hit $61,516, well above the school's overall median of $49,620.
The graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk. With only half of students completing degrees, you need strong academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here. The 79% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year.
UTRGV works financially for students targeting healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands and for those prioritizing affordability over prestige. The low net price means even average-earning majors can generate positive returns. Border region students particularly benefit from staying local while accessing quality programs.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want high-earning opportunities outside healthcare and business. The relatively low overall median earnings suggest limited outcomes in other fields.
Financial aid reaches nearly 64% of students, and the low sticker price means most families qualify for significant support. Merit scholarships exist but the already-low cost makes need-based aid more impactful for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,500 per year and median debt of only $12,950, UTRGV offers strong value for students who graduate. The low cost makes it worth it even with modest post-graduation earnings of $49,620.
What are the best paying programs at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
Allied health and nursing programs at UTRGV lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making $106,000-$109,000 annually. Business and communication disorders graduates earn around $61,500, which is solid given the low tuition costs.
What is the graduation rate at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and does it matter?
UTRGV's 49% graduation rate is concerning and means half of students don't finish their degree. However, those who do graduate face minimal debt and enter a job market where even modest salaries justify the investment.
How much debt do students typically have after attending The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
UTRGV graduates have a median debt of $12,950, which is very manageable compared to national averages. The low debt load makes this school a relatively safe financial choice even for students in lower-paying fields.