The University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX

Geography and Cartography

at The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $39,114/yr starting out — that's 30% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 9.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $19,678/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $86,182 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$29,842/yr

Starting Salary

$39,114

Finish Rate

87.6%

$29,842/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $19,678/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $10,164/yr)

4 Years Total

$119,368

Typical Debt

$20,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,470

What You'd Really Pay

$86,182

That's about $233/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$391,140

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$86,182

Pays for Itself In

9.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+30%

Ahead After 10 Years

$304,958

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost39.7/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed14.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost4.1/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.1/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.