Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Texas Austin Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 19
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While The University of Texas at Austin achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $19,857 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities'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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $3,079 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 The University of Texas at Austin over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $16,778 vs $19,857.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 88% completion rate vs 85%.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but The University of Texas at Austin wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 to 1,362.
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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $3,079 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $12,316 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Texas at Austin has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick The University of Texas at Austin for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $3,079 a year, yet The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $6,101 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Communications, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 85%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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