The University of Texas at Arlington vs The University of Texas at San Antonio

UT Arlington vs UT San Antonio: A Data-Driven Comparison

Both universities offer accessible admissions, though UT San Antonio accepts slightly more students (86.9% vs 80.8%). However, UT Arlington demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 56.5% six-year graduation rate compared to UTSA's 51.2%.

Cost and Value
UTSA provides better affordability with in-state tuition of $8,991 versus UTA's $11,728, and a lower average net price ($11,234 vs $15,235). Despite lower costs, UTA graduates earn significantly more, with median earnings of $63,199 compared to UTSA's $57,131. UTA graduates also carry less debt ($17,527 vs $20,500), creating better return on investment.

Academic Environment
Both schools maintain similar student-faculty ratios (UTA 23:1, UTSA 25:1) and large enrollments around 30,000 students. UTSA shows stronger student retention at 79.4% versus UTA's 72.9%, suggesting better first-year support systems. UTA has established strengths in engineering, business, and nursing, while UTSA excels in business, education, and cybersecurity programs.

Campus Experience
Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics. UTA sits in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering extensive internship and job opportunities in a major metropolitan area. UTSA provides the cultural richness of San Antonio with strong community connections and rapidly growing research initiatives.

Best Fit
UTA suits students prioritizing career earnings potential and willing to invest more upfront for better long-term financial outcomes, while UTSA fits budget-conscious students seeking strong support systems and cultural diversity at a lower cost.