The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs The University of Texas at San Antonio
Both universities offer similar admission accessibility, with UTRGV accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UTSA's 86.9%. However, their financial profiles differ significantly.
Cost and Value
UTRGV presents a more affordable option with in-state tuition of $9,859 versus UTSA's $8,991, but UTRGV's average net price of $6,500 is substantially lower than UTSA's $11,234. UTRGV graduates carry less debt ($12,950 vs $20,500), though UTSA graduates earn more ten years post-graduation ($57,131 vs $49,620).
Academic Environment
UTSA offers smaller class sizes with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTRGV's 19:1 ratio. Both maintain similar retention rates (UTSA 79.4%, UTRGV 78.9%) and graduation rates (UTSA 51.2%, UTRGV 49.3%). UTSA's larger enrollment of 29,675 students provides more diverse academic programs, while UTRGV serves 27,026 students with strong regional focus.
Campus Experience
Both institutions compete at the NCAA Division I level. UTSA's San Antonio location offers major city amenities, internships, and cultural opportunities. UTRGV's Edinburg campus serves the Rio Grande Valley with deep community ties and multicultural programming.
Outcomes
UTSA graduates demonstrate higher earning potential and slightly better graduation rates, while UTRGV provides more affordable education with lower debt burden.
UTRGV suits cost-conscious students seeking affordable education with strong regional connections, while UTSA appeals to students prioritizing higher earning potential and big-city opportunities despite increased costs.
Both universities offer similar admission accessibility, with UTRGV accepting 87.7% of applicants compared to UTSA's 86.9%. However, their financial profiles differ significantly.
Cost and Value
UTRGV presents a more affordable option with in-state tuition of $9,859 versus UTSA's $8,991, but UTRGV's average net price of $6,500 is substantially lower than UTSA's $11,234. UTRGV graduates carry less debt ($12,950 vs $20,500), though UTSA graduates earn more ten years post-graduation ($57,131 vs $49,620).
Academic Environment
UTSA offers smaller class sizes with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio compared to UTRGV's 19:1 ratio. Both maintain similar retention rates (UTSA 79.4%, UTRGV 78.9%) and graduation rates (UTSA 51.2%, UTRGV 49.3%). UTSA's larger enrollment of 29,675 students provides more diverse academic programs, while UTRGV serves 27,026 students with strong regional focus.
Campus Experience
Both institutions compete at the NCAA Division I level. UTSA's San Antonio location offers major city amenities, internships, and cultural opportunities. UTRGV's Edinburg campus serves the Rio Grande Valley with deep community ties and multicultural programming.
Outcomes
UTSA graduates demonstrate higher earning potential and slightly better graduation rates, while UTRGV provides more affordable education with lower debt burden.
UTRGV suits cost-conscious students seeking affordable education with strong regional connections, while UTSA appeals to students prioritizing higher earning potential and big-city opportunities despite increased costs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | The University of Texas at San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 87.7% | 86.9% |
| SAT Average | 960 | 1,115 |
| Enrollment | 27,026 | 29,675 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,859 | $8,991 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,939 | $21,965 |
| Net Price | $6,500 | $11,234 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% | 51.2% |
| Retention Rate | 78.9% | 79.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $49,620 | $57,131 |
| Median Debt | $12,950 | $20,500 |
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 San Antonio | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $61,334 | Computer Engineering. | $68,907 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $55,693 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $62,734 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $52,107 | Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | $61,218 |
| Civil Engineering. | $50,439 | Civil Engineering. | $60,771 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $49,344 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $60,264 |