Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Chicago
- Texas Austin Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 9
- Chicago Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857, 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 Austin
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Chicago
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than The University of Texas at Austin
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $4,997 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
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #12
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% 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 The University of Texas at Austin. Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment vs $75,121.
Pick University of Chicago over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $14,860 vs $19,857.
Pick University of Chicago over The University of Texas at Austin. THE World Rank #12 vs #29.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Chicago. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick University of Chicago over The University of Texas at Austin. 95% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 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 $4,997 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $19,988 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 $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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
The University of Texas at Austin does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at University of Chicago, it is 1.9%. The University of Texas at Austin also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, The University of Texas at Austin 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, University of Chicago sits higher, at #12 versus #29.
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 University of Chicago to keep costs and debt down; pick The University of Texas at Austin if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
University of Chicago is harder to get into, with a 4% admit rate, but The University of Texas at Austin posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, 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 $19,857 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
- Students who want a smaller campus: The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment of 42,855 far exceeds University of Chicago's 7,569.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 47% at Texas Austin — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Chicago offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas Austin does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
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
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas Austin's top program is Mechanical Engineering (10% of enrollment), while Chicago leads with Sociology (40%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Texas Austin) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Chicago).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Communications, 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 The University of Texas at Austin or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 27% at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Chicago graduates earn more?
University of Chicago graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,121 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 88%.
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Chicago: which is better for social mobility?
The University of Texas at Austin is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin or University of Chicago?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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