Texas State University vs. The University of Texas at Arlington
Both universities offer accessible admission paths, though Texas State accepts slightly more students (87.7% vs. 80.8%). UTA demonstrates marginally higher selectivity while maintaining broad accessibility for Texas residents.
Cost structures favor UTA for most students. While in-state tuition differs minimally ($11,450 vs. $11,728), UTA's average net price runs $1,203 lower at $15,235. Out-of-state students face a significant premium at UTA ($29,660 vs. $23,210). Graduates from both schools carry similar debt loads, with UTA students averaging $3,473 less debt at graduation.
Academic outcomes show mixed results. UTA graduates earn $6,293 more annually ten years post-graduation ($63,199 vs. $56,906), suggesting stronger career preparation or geographic advantages. Six-year graduation rates remain nearly identical (56.5% vs. 56.2%), though Texas State retains students more effectively (77.5% vs. 72.9%). Class sizes favor Texas State slightly with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTA's 23:1.
Campus experiences differ substantially. Texas State's San Marcos location provides a traditional college town atmosphere with 34,547 students, while UTA's Arlington setting offers urban opportunities within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, serving 30,834 students. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Geographic factors significantly influence career outcomes, with UTA's proximity to major employment centers likely contributing to higher graduate earnings.
Texas State suits students seeking a traditional college experience with strong campus community, while UTA benefits career-focused students who value urban internship opportunities and higher earning potential.
Both universities offer accessible admission paths, though Texas State accepts slightly more students (87.7% vs. 80.8%). UTA demonstrates marginally higher selectivity while maintaining broad accessibility for Texas residents.
Cost structures favor UTA for most students. While in-state tuition differs minimally ($11,450 vs. $11,728), UTA's average net price runs $1,203 lower at $15,235. Out-of-state students face a significant premium at UTA ($29,660 vs. $23,210). Graduates from both schools carry similar debt loads, with UTA students averaging $3,473 less debt at graduation.
Academic outcomes show mixed results. UTA graduates earn $6,293 more annually ten years post-graduation ($63,199 vs. $56,906), suggesting stronger career preparation or geographic advantages. Six-year graduation rates remain nearly identical (56.5% vs. 56.2%), though Texas State retains students more effectively (77.5% vs. 72.9%). Class sizes favor Texas State slightly with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTA's 23:1.
Campus experiences differ substantially. Texas State's San Marcos location provides a traditional college town atmosphere with 34,547 students, while UTA's Arlington setting offers urban opportunities within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, serving 30,834 students. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Geographic factors significantly influence career outcomes, with UTA's proximity to major employment centers likely contributing to higher graduate earnings.
Texas State suits students seeking a traditional college experience with strong campus community, while UTA benefits career-focused students who value urban internship opportunities and higher earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Texas State University | The University of Texas at Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87.7% | 80.8% |
| SAT Average | 1,080 | 1,120 |
| Enrollment | 34,547 | 30,834 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $11,728 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $23,210 | $29,660 |
| Net Price | $16,438 | $15,235 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.2% | 56.5% |
| Retention Rate | 77.5% | 72.9% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $63,199 |
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $17,527 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Texas State University | The University of Texas at Arlington | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $72,274 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,515 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,858 | Computer Engineering. | $71,225 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,660 | Computer Science. | $69,897 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $65,557 | Industrial Engineering. | $67,202 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $60,207 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $66,461 |