Students at The University of Texas at Dallas achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, reflecting exceptional career preparation and industry connections.
The university ranks in the top tier nationally for both overall graduate earnings and outcomes for low-income students, demonstrating broad-based success across diverse backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks The University of Texas at Dallas 86th out of approximately 600 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 14% for overall value. UTD stands out as a technology-focused research university that consistently delivers exceptional long-term earnings for graduates across diverse backgrounds. With nearly 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and 31% being first-generation college students, the university maintains broad accessibility while achieving some of the strongest financial outcomes in the country.
Graduates earn a median of $68,227 ten years after enrollment, with many programs leading directly into high-demand technology and engineering careers. The university's strength in artificial intelligence, computer engineering, and related STEM fields drives much of this success, as these programs combine substantial enrollment with excellent salary outcomes. UTD's earnings performance places it in the top 15% nationally, reflecting both program quality and strong employer connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth technology corridor.
As a large public research university in Richardson, Texas, UTD offers the resources and scale of a major institution while maintaining a focused mission around innovation and technology. The combination of strong access for diverse students, moderate pricing, and exceptional career outcomes makes UTD a standout choice for families seeking reliable long-term value in higher education.
The University of Texas at Dallas has built its reputation around technology and engineering programs that lead directly into high-paying careers. Artificial Intelligence represents the university's flagship program, graduating 714 students annually with median earnings of $67,324, making it both the largest and most economically impactful major. Computer Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $74,953, reflecting the premium that employers place on UTD's technical graduates in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth job market.
The university's program mix balances high-earning technical fields with foundational disciplines that serve diverse career paths. Biology remains one of the largest majors with 292 graduates, providing pre-professional preparation for students pursuing medical, research, and biotechnology careers, though early earnings of $22,130 reflect the additional education many of these students pursue. Applied Linguistics, while smaller with 56 graduates, demonstrates UTD's commitment to serving students across academic interests, even in fields with more modest early-career earnings.
What sets UTD apart is the concentration and scale of its technology programs, which create substantial alumni networks and employer relationships throughout the region. The university's focus on artificial intelligence, computer engineering, and related STEM fields positions graduates at the forefront of technological innovation, where demand for skilled professionals continues to drive salary growth and career advancement opportunities.
The University of Texas at Dallas delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $68,227, placing the university in the top 15% nationally for graduate earnings. What makes UTD particularly impressive is that graduates earn about $3,543 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating higher-than-expected earnings compared with peer universities. This earnings advantage reflects both the university's program strengths and its ability to connect students with high-value career opportunities.
UTD's strongest returns come from its technology and engineering programs, which dominate the university's academic portfolio. Artificial Intelligence stands out as the highest aggregate return major, graduating 714 students with median earnings of $67,324, creating substantial economic impact. Computer Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $74,953 for typical graduates, while the university's broader STEM focus ensures strong outcomes across multiple technical fields. Even programs like Biology, which represents one of the largest majors with 292 graduates, provide solid career foundations despite more moderate early earnings of $22,130.
The university's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a major technology hub, helps explain these strong outcomes. Graduates enter a robust job market where technology skills command premium salaries, and UTD's industry connections facilitate direct pathways into high-paying careers at major corporations and growing startups throughout the region.
The University of Texas at Dallas offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $11,089 per year after aid, which is well below national averages for public research universities. Middle-income families see annual costs around $14,813, while higher-income students pay about $25,491 annually. This pricing structure ensures that the university remains within reach for most Texas families while delivering exceptional value.
Debt levels at UTD are manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $18,000, which is reasonable given that graduates earn a median of $68,227 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,000, reflecting moderate family contributions that align with the university's middle-class accessibility. The combination of moderate borrowing and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students.
What makes UTD particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is the relationship between upfront costs and long-term returns. With graduates earning significantly more than expected compared with similar institutions, families can feel confident that their investment will pay off over time. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by the strong job market outcomes that UTD consistently delivers.
The University Of Texas At Dallas Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
