Head-to-Head Comparison
Texas A&M University-College Station vs University of Chicago
- Texas A&M Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 18
- Chicago Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315, University of Chicago delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas A&M
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Chicago
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $6,455 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas A&M graduates concentrate in Engineering (17% of degrees); Chicago in Social Sciences (40%). 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 University of Chicago over Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick University of Chicago over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $14,860 vs $21,315.
Pick University of Chicago over Texas A&M University-College Station. 95% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Texas A&M University-College Station and University of Chicago are close on paper, but University of Chicago wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Chicago is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,280 to 1,554.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago 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, University of Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $6,455 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,804.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $25,820 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Chicago graduates report median earnings of $91,885, compared with $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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
University of Chicago graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Chicago to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Chicago leans toward Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,804, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds University of Chicago's 7,569.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Chicago has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 38% at Texas A&M — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Chicago offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Chicago, where only about 76% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Chicago is featured on the Highest-Yield Colleges (Most-Loved) ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas A&M's top program is Mechanical Engineering (17% of enrollment), while Chicago leads with Sociology (40%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Chicago).
The two schools feed different job markets. Texas A&M University-College Station is strongest in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while University of Chicago concentrates in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Chicago graduates earn more?
University of Chicago graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 84%.
Should you choose Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Chicago?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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