Texas State University vs The University of Texas at Dallas
Both universities offer accessible admission, with Texas State accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UT Dallas's 84.7% acceptance rate. The admission difficulty is nearly equivalent for qualified students.
Cost differences are significant. Texas State charges $11,450 for in-state tuition versus UT Dallas's $14,564, making Texas State $3,114 cheaper annually. Out-of-state students face a larger gap: $23,210 at Texas State compared to $40,064 at UT Dallas. Average net prices are similar at $16,438 and $17,435 respectively.
UT Dallas demonstrates stronger academic outcomes across multiple metrics. Its 70.8% six-year graduation rate substantially exceeds Texas State's 56.2%. Student retention follows the same pattern, with UT Dallas at 88.1% versus Texas State's 77.5%. However, Texas State offers better faculty access with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UT Dallas's 27:1.
Career outcomes favor UT Dallas graduates, who earn a median salary of $68,227 ten years post-graduation, compared to $56,906 for Texas State alumni. UT Dallas graduates also carry less debt ($18,000 versus $21,000).
Campus experiences differ markedly. Texas State's 34,547 students create a large university atmosphere with Division I athletics in San Marcos. UT Dallas, with 21,317 students in Richardson, offers a more focused academic environment with Division III sports.
Texas State suits students seeking a traditional college experience with lower costs and stronger faculty interaction, while UT Dallas better serves career-focused students prioritizing academic rigor and earning potential.
Both universities offer accessible admission, with Texas State accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UT Dallas's 84.7% acceptance rate. The admission difficulty is nearly equivalent for qualified students.
Cost differences are significant. Texas State charges $11,450 for in-state tuition versus UT Dallas's $14,564, making Texas State $3,114 cheaper annually. Out-of-state students face a larger gap: $23,210 at Texas State compared to $40,064 at UT Dallas. Average net prices are similar at $16,438 and $17,435 respectively.
UT Dallas demonstrates stronger academic outcomes across multiple metrics. Its 70.8% six-year graduation rate substantially exceeds Texas State's 56.2%. Student retention follows the same pattern, with UT Dallas at 88.1% versus Texas State's 77.5%. However, Texas State offers better faculty access with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UT Dallas's 27:1.
Career outcomes favor UT Dallas graduates, who earn a median salary of $68,227 ten years post-graduation, compared to $56,906 for Texas State alumni. UT Dallas graduates also carry less debt ($18,000 versus $21,000).
Campus experiences differ markedly. Texas State's 34,547 students create a large university atmosphere with Division I athletics in San Marcos. UT Dallas, with 21,317 students in Richardson, offers a more focused academic environment with Division III sports.
Texas State suits students seeking a traditional college experience with lower costs and stronger faculty interaction, while UT Dallas better serves career-focused students prioritizing academic rigor and earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Texas State University | The University of Texas at Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87.7% | 84.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,080 | 1,300 |
| Enrollment | 34,547 | 21,317 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,450 | $14,564 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $23,210 | $40,064 |
| Net Price | $16,438 | $17,435 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.2% | 70.8% |
| Retention Rate | 77.5% | 88.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $56,906 | $68,227 |
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $18,000 |
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 Dallas | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $72,274 | Computer Engineering. | $74,953 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,858 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,098 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,660 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $67,324 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $65,557 | Mechanical Engineering. | $60,125 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $60,207 | Physics. | $57,318 |