Head-to-head · 2026
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Western Texas College
Compare average net price ($4,831 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; $3,562 at Western Texas College), ROI score (25.68 vs 29.83), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($49,620 vs $42,508), and admissions context (94.2% at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Open / not reported at Western Texas College) 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 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Western Texas College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 25.68 | 29.83 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $4,831 | $3,562 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $19,324 | $14,248 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,987 | $3,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,827 | $6,150 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $49,620 ✓ | $42,508 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 53% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 81.1% ✓ | 74.2% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $7,515 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 28,666 | 599 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 985 | — |
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 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Western Texas College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $3,785 | $2,703 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $3,877 | $2,800 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $5,665 | $4,439 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $7,972 ✓ | $9,015 |
| Family income $110k+ | $13,782 | — |
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 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Western Texas College |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 6.7% | 5.8% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 0.2% | 9% |
| Biology, General | 8.6% | 0.3% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 5% | 2.9% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 0.4% | 3.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 0.1% | 2.3% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 1.8% | 0.3% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 1.5% | 0.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Texas College reports the lower average net price by $1,269 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $5,076 difference over four years ($14,248 vs $19,324).
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports $7,112 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($49,620 vs $42,508). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 81.1% at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and 74.2% at Western Texas College. Median federal debt among completers is $12,950 vs $7,515, 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.
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Frequently asked
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Western Texas College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Texas College is cheaper — average net price $3,562 per year vs $4,831 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The annual difference of $1,269 adds up to about $5,076 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $49,620 vs $42,508 at Western Texas College. The gap in the federal data is $7,112. This is not major-specific earnings.
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.