UT Dallas vs UT San Antonio: A Data-Driven Comparison
Both universities offer accessible admission with similar acceptance rates (UT Dallas: 84.74%, UTSA: 86.90%), making either achievable for most qualified applicants.
Cost and Value
UTSA provides significantly lower tuition costs, with in-state students paying $8,991 compared to UT Dallas's $14,564. Out-of-state students also save substantially at UTSA ($21,965 vs $40,064). UTSA's average net price of $11,234 is notably lower than UT Dallas's $17,435. However, UT Dallas graduates earn considerably more, with median 10-year earnings of $68,227 versus UTSA's $57,131, partially offsetting the higher initial investment.
Academic Strengths and Experience
UT Dallas offers a slightly better student-faculty ratio (25:1 vs 27:1) and superior retention rates (88.13% vs 79.40%). The graduation rate difference is substantial: UT Dallas achieves 70.80% compared to UTSA's 51.20%. UT Dallas has built particular strength in engineering, computer science, and business programs. UTSA offers a larger campus experience with 29,675 students versus UT Dallas's 21,317, plus NCAA Division I athletics compared to UT Dallas's Division III sports.
Outcomes
UT Dallas students graduate with slightly less debt ($18,000 vs $20,500) and significantly higher earning potential. The 19% higher graduation rate at UT Dallas represents a crucial advantage in completion likelihood.
Students seeking stronger academic support, higher graduation rates, and better long-term earning potential should consider UT Dallas, while those prioritizing affordability, larger campus atmosphere, and Division I athletics may prefer UTSA.
Both universities offer accessible admission with similar acceptance rates (UT Dallas: 84.74%, UTSA: 86.90%), making either achievable for most qualified applicants.
Cost and Value
UTSA provides significantly lower tuition costs, with in-state students paying $8,991 compared to UT Dallas's $14,564. Out-of-state students also save substantially at UTSA ($21,965 vs $40,064). UTSA's average net price of $11,234 is notably lower than UT Dallas's $17,435. However, UT Dallas graduates earn considerably more, with median 10-year earnings of $68,227 versus UTSA's $57,131, partially offsetting the higher initial investment.
Academic Strengths and Experience
UT Dallas offers a slightly better student-faculty ratio (25:1 vs 27:1) and superior retention rates (88.13% vs 79.40%). The graduation rate difference is substantial: UT Dallas achieves 70.80% compared to UTSA's 51.20%. UT Dallas has built particular strength in engineering, computer science, and business programs. UTSA offers a larger campus experience with 29,675 students versus UT Dallas's 21,317, plus NCAA Division I athletics compared to UT Dallas's Division III sports.
Outcomes
UT Dallas students graduate with slightly less debt ($18,000 vs $20,500) and significantly higher earning potential. The 19% higher graduation rate at UT Dallas represents a crucial advantage in completion likelihood.
Students seeking stronger academic support, higher graduation rates, and better long-term earning potential should consider UT Dallas, while those prioritizing affordability, larger campus atmosphere, and Division I athletics may prefer UTSA.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The University of Texas at Dallas | The University of Texas at San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 84.7% | 86.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,300 | 1,115 |
| Enrollment | 21,317 | 29,675 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,564 | $8,991 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,064 | $21,965 |
| Net Price | $17,435 | $11,234 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.8% | 51.2% |
| Retention Rate | 88.1% | 79.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,227 | $57,131 |
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $20,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| The University of Texas at Dallas | The University of Texas at San Antonio | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $74,953 | Computer Engineering. | $68,907 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,098 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $62,734 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $67,324 | Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | $61,218 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $60,125 | Civil Engineering. | $60,771 |
| Physics. | $57,318 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $60,264 |