Head-to-head · 2026
Texas A&M University-College Station vs The University of Texas at Austin
Compare average net price ($21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station; $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin), ROI score (8.46 vs 9.46), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($72,097 vs $75,121), and admissions selectivity (57.4% acceptance at Texas A&M University-College Station; 26.6% at The University of Texas at Austin) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Texas A&M University-College Station | The University of Texas at Austin |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.46 | 9.46 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,315 | $19,857 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $85,260 | $79,428 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $13,154 | $11,688 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,124 | $44,908 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $72,097 | $75,121 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 57.4% | 26.6% |
| Graduation rate | 83.9% | 88.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 94.3% | 96.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,804 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 59,615 | 42,855 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1280 | 1395 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Texas A&M University-College Station | The University of Texas at Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $12,784 | $12,553 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,317 ✓ | $14,297 |
| Family income $48–75k | $17,435 | $17,207 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $26,520 | $24,406 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $30,660 | $30,082 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Texas A&M University-College Station | The University of Texas at Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.3% | 4.7% |
| Biology, General | 4.9% | 3.9% |
| Psychology, General | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 3.6% | 1.9% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2.8% | 2.2% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2% | 2.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
The University of Texas at Austin reports the lower average net price by $1,458 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $5,832 difference over four years ($79,428 vs $85,260).
The University of Texas at Austin reports $3,024 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($75,121 vs $72,097). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 94.3% at Texas A&M University-College Station and 96.7% at The University of Texas at Austin. Median federal debt among completers is $17,804 vs $20,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Texas A&M University-College Station vs The University of Texas at Austin, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
The University of Texas at Austin is cheaper — average net price $19,857 per year vs $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station. The annual difference of $1,458 adds up to about $5,832 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Texas at Austin reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $75,121 vs $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. The gap in the federal data is $3,024. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
The University of Texas at Austin is more selective at 26.6% acceptance vs 57.4% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.