Head-to-Head Comparison
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs The University of Texas at Austin
- New Jersey Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 9
- Texas Austin Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While The University of Texas at Austin achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 73%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $19,857 compared to New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504. Students who choose New Jersey Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,276 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than The University of Texas at Austin
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $3,353 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Texas Austin
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #29
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New Jersey graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (33% of degrees); Texas Austin in Engineering (10%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over The University of Texas at Austin. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $75,121.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $16,504 vs $19,857.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #29 vs #350-400.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over The University of Texas at Austin. 6.5% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 88% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New Jersey Institute of Technology and The University of Texas at Austin split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 to 1,395.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, New Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $3,353 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of The University of Texas at Austin also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,412 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, New Jersey Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
The University of Texas at Austin graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at The University of Texas at Austin, it is 2.2%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, The University of Texas at Austin sits higher, at #29 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick New Jersey Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, with a 27% admit rate, but New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 6.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. The University of Texas at Austin ranks higher globally (#29 vs #350-400), but New Jersey Institute of Technology alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while The University of Texas at Austin leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — New Jersey competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $19,857 runs well above New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment of 42,855 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at New Jersey — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
Rankings They Appear On
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New Jersey's top program is Computer Science (33% of enrollment), while Texas Austin leads with Mechanical Engineering (10%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Texas Austin).
The two schools feed different job markets. New Jersey Institute of Technology is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while The University of Texas at Austin concentrates in Communications. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into New Jersey Institute of Technology or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, New Jersey Institute of Technology or The University of Texas at Austin?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do New Jersey Institute of Technology or The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which has a better graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 73%.
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs The University of Texas at Austin: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose New Jersey Institute of Technology or The University of Texas at Austin?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do New Jersey and Texas Austin stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
