The University of Texas at Arlington vs Texas Tech University
These two Texas public universities offer distinct paths despite similar sizes and Division I athletics. UTA enrolls 30,834 students while Texas Tech serves 32,446.
Admission and Selectivity: Texas Tech is more competitive with a 67% acceptance rate compared to UTA's 81%. This selectivity difference reflects in retention rates, where Texas Tech keeps 85% of freshmen versus UTA's 73%.
Cost and Financial Value: In-state tuition is nearly identical ($11,728 at UTA, $11,852 at Texas Tech), but out-of-state students pay significantly less at Texas Tech ($24,451 vs $29,660). However, UTA offers better net pricing at $15,235 compared to Texas Tech's $20,071. UTA graduates carry less debt ($17,527 vs $21,500) but earn slightly more long-term ($63,199 vs $62,454).
Academic Environment: Texas Tech provides a more intimate academic setting with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTA's 23:1. This translates to higher graduation rates, with 68% of Texas Tech students completing degrees within six years versus 57% at UTA.
Campus Experience: Both universities compete in Division I athletics, though Texas Tech's Big 12 Conference membership in football and basketball creates a more traditional college sports atmosphere compared to UTA's American Athletic Conference participation.
Student Fit: UTA suits cost-conscious students seeking urban opportunities and strong career earnings potential, while Texas Tech appeals to students wanting a traditional college town experience with higher academic expectations and stronger retention support systems.
These two Texas public universities offer distinct paths despite similar sizes and Division I athletics. UTA enrolls 30,834 students while Texas Tech serves 32,446.
Admission and Selectivity: Texas Tech is more competitive with a 67% acceptance rate compared to UTA's 81%. This selectivity difference reflects in retention rates, where Texas Tech keeps 85% of freshmen versus UTA's 73%.
Cost and Financial Value: In-state tuition is nearly identical ($11,728 at UTA, $11,852 at Texas Tech), but out-of-state students pay significantly less at Texas Tech ($24,451 vs $29,660). However, UTA offers better net pricing at $15,235 compared to Texas Tech's $20,071. UTA graduates carry less debt ($17,527 vs $21,500) but earn slightly more long-term ($63,199 vs $62,454).
Academic Environment: Texas Tech provides a more intimate academic setting with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTA's 23:1. This translates to higher graduation rates, with 68% of Texas Tech students completing degrees within six years versus 57% at UTA.
Campus Experience: Both universities compete in Division I athletics, though Texas Tech's Big 12 Conference membership in football and basketball creates a more traditional college sports atmosphere compared to UTA's American Athletic Conference participation.
Student Fit: UTA suits cost-conscious students seeking urban opportunities and strong career earnings potential, while Texas Tech appeals to students wanting a traditional college town experience with higher academic expectations and stronger retention support systems.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Texas Tech University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 80.8% | 67.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,120 | 1,185 |
| Enrollment | 30,834 | 32,446 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,728 | $11,852 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,660 | $24,451 |
| Net Price | $15,235 | $20,071 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.5% | 67.5% |
| Retention Rate | 72.9% | 84.9% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,199 | $62,454 |
| Median Debt | $17,527 | $21,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Texas Tech University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,515 | Petroleum Engineering. | $83,325 |
| Computer Engineering. | $71,225 | Computer Engineering. | $74,017 |
| Computer Science. | $69,897 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $73,562 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $67,202 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $73,530 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $66,461 | Mechanical Engineering. | $69,596 |