The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs The University of Texas at Dallas
Both universities offer accessible admission with UTRGV accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UT Dallas at 84.7%. While admission rates are similar, UT Dallas demonstrates stronger academic outcomes.
Cost and Value
UTRGV provides significantly lower costs with in-state tuition at $9,859 versus UT Dallas at $14,564. The average net price difference is substantial: $6,500 at UTRGV compared to $17,435 at UT Dallas. However, UT Dallas graduates earn considerably more, with median 10-year earnings of $68,227 versus $49,620 at UTRGV. Student debt levels are manageable at both institutions, with UTRGV graduates carrying $12,950 and UT Dallas graduates $18,000.
Academic Environment
UT Dallas offers better student retention (88.1% vs 78.9%) and graduation rates (70.8% vs 49.3%). UTRGV provides a more favorable student-faculty ratio at 19:1 compared to UT Dallas's 27:1. UT Dallas is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and business, while UTRGV excels in health sciences and education.
Campus Experience
UTRGV offers Division I athletics and serves a larger student body of 27,026 in South Texas. UT Dallas, located in the Dallas metro area with 21,317 students, provides Division III athletics and proximity to major corporate headquarters and internship opportunities.
UTRGV fits students seeking affordable education with strong regional connections and Division I sports, while UT Dallas suits students prioritizing higher earning potential and access to major metropolitan career opportunities.
Both universities offer accessible admission with UTRGV accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UT Dallas at 84.7%. While admission rates are similar, UT Dallas demonstrates stronger academic outcomes.
Cost and Value
UTRGV provides significantly lower costs with in-state tuition at $9,859 versus UT Dallas at $14,564. The average net price difference is substantial: $6,500 at UTRGV compared to $17,435 at UT Dallas. However, UT Dallas graduates earn considerably more, with median 10-year earnings of $68,227 versus $49,620 at UTRGV. Student debt levels are manageable at both institutions, with UTRGV graduates carrying $12,950 and UT Dallas graduates $18,000.
Academic Environment
UT Dallas offers better student retention (88.1% vs 78.9%) and graduation rates (70.8% vs 49.3%). UTRGV provides a more favorable student-faculty ratio at 19:1 compared to UT Dallas's 27:1. UT Dallas is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and business, while UTRGV excels in health sciences and education.
Campus Experience
UTRGV offers Division I athletics and serves a larger student body of 27,026 in South Texas. UT Dallas, located in the Dallas metro area with 21,317 students, provides Division III athletics and proximity to major corporate headquarters and internship opportunities.
UTRGV fits students seeking affordable education with strong regional connections and Division I sports, while UT Dallas suits students prioritizing higher earning potential and access to major metropolitan career opportunities.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | The University of Texas at Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87.7% | 84.7% |
| SAT Average | 960 | 1,300 |
| Enrollment | 27,026 | 21,317 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,859 | $14,564 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,939 | $40,064 |
| Net Price | $6,500 | $17,435 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% | 70.8% |
| Retention Rate | 78.9% | 88.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $49,620 | $68,227 |
| Median Debt | $12,950 | $18,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | The University of Texas at Dallas | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $61,334 | Computer Engineering. | $74,953 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $55,693 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,098 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $52,107 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $67,324 |
| Civil Engineering. | $50,439 | Mechanical Engineering. | $60,125 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $49,344 | Physics. | $57,318 |
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