UTD combines moderately selective admission (65.5% acceptance rate) with exceptional SAT standards (97th percentile) and strong economic mobility outcomes. As an Opportunity Builders institution, the university serves diverse student populations while delivering earnings $7,684 above peer institutions, supporting long-term economic advancement.
Strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment and debt levels
Above-average cost management and reasonable debt levels
Exceptional ability to convert educational access into earnings advancement
Exceptional ability to convert educational access into earnings advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisExcellent mobility performance with accessible admission
The University of Texas at Dallas demonstrates excellent mobility performance, ranking at the 96.6th percentile nationally with top-tier outcomes across access and economic advancement. Located in Richardson, Texas, this large public research university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 65.5% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
UTD enrolls 29.7% Pell-eligible students and 31.4% first-generation students, positioning it well above typical selectivity peers on access measures. Graduates earn a median of $68,227 ten years after enrollment, placing UTD in the 84th percentile nationally.
The institution generates $3,543 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 69.5th percentile on this measure. Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics, graduates earn $7,684 more annually than the peer median of $60,543.
As an Opportunity Builders institution, UTD combines moderate selectivity with strong economic mobility outcomes, serving diverse student populations while maintaining academic rigor.
The University of Texas at Dallas delivers strong return on investment through controlled costs and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $68,227 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 84th percentile nationally and exceeding peer institutions by $7,684 annually.
Earnings demonstrate significant upward potential, ranging from $44,421 at the 25th percentile to $101,340 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career trajectories across engineering, business, and technology fields. The institution generates $3,543 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally.
Students seeking strong technology and engineering outcomes at a moderately selective public research university. Well-suited for first-generation students (31.4%) and Pell-eligible students (29.7%) who want access to high-earning STEM programs, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering.
The University of Texas at Dallas combines above-average accessibility with exceptional test score standards and strong post-graduation earnings.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the The University Of Texas At Dallas hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/the-university-of-texas-at-dallas/analysis.
The University of Texas at Dallas admits 65.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places UTD in the Moderately Selective category, making it substantially more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining meaningful academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates UTD is somewhat more selective than typical four-year institutions, with acceptance rates 12.6 percentage points below peer averages. This selectivity level allows qualified students reasonable admission prospects while ensuring academic preparedness among enrolled students.
UTD's admission rate positions it as accessible to well-prepared students without requiring the exceptional credentials demanded by highly selective institutions. For students building college lists, UTD represents a solid target school rather than a reach, particularly for those with strong academic preparation in STEM fields.
The 65.5% acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations while maintaining quality standards, making it an attractive option for students seeking strong outcomes without extreme admission competition. Prospective applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and alignment with UTD's technology and engineering focus rather than pursuing perfect credentials.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
The University of Texas at Dallas publishes a cost of attendance of $28,210 per year, including $14,564 in in-state tuition, $13,832 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition at $40,064, raising total attendance costs accordingly.
However, the average student pays just $17,435 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,775 from the published price. This net price places UTD $1,845 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating above-average affordability relative to similar institutions.
The financial aid system successfully reduces costs for students across income levels, with the greatest support directed toward lower-income families. UTD's cost structure reflects its public mission of providing accessible education while maintaining quality, particularly for Texas residents who benefit from in-state tuition rates.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates the university's commitment to affordability through need-based aid. Students should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as most families pay significantly less than the full cost of attendance.
UTD graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $57,249 six years after enrollment to $64,228 at eight years and $68,227 at ten years, representing 19.2% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on robust cohort sizes of 4,013 graduates at six years, 3,681 at eight years, and 3,644 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures.
The institution generates $3,543 in earnings beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing it at the 69.5th percentile nationally for earnings uplift. Low-income graduates earn $59,400, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds.
Earnings span a wide range from $44,421 at the 25th percentile to $101,340 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 22.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Compared to peer institutions, UTD graduates earn $7,684 more annually, underscoring the institution's strong performance relative to similar universities.
Computer Engineering, General.
211 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
145 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
714 graduates
International Business.
34 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
217 graduates
UTD offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Artificial Intelligence stands out as the university's largest high-earning program, ranking #25 nationally and #4 in Texas while producing 714 graduates with median earnings of $87,411 and an exceptional value score of 88.1.
Computer Engineering ranks #34 nationally and #2 in Texas, graduating 211 students with median earnings of $98,131. Business programs demonstrate strong performance with Business/Commerce General ranking #15 nationally and #3 in Texas, graduating 192 students with median earnings of $61,999.
Biology General ranks #80 nationally and #3 in Texas with 292 graduates earning $56,216. Digital Arts achieves remarkable national recognition, ranking #4 nationally and #1 in Texas with 155 graduates and a value score of 86.4, despite more modest earnings.
Several programs hold flagship status at the university, including Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Accounting Technology, Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, Banking and Financial Support Services, Computer Engineering, Neuroanatomy, and Business/Commerce General, reflecting UTD's comprehensive academic strength.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The University Of Texas At Arlington Higher acceptance rate (15.8 percentage points higher) and located 27 miles away; similar graduate earnings | TX | 81% | $63,199 | Compare |
San Francisco State University Higher acceptance rate (30.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 96% | $68,077 | Compare |
Monmouth University Higher acceptance rate (24.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NJ | 90% | $67,991 | Compare |
Texas Christian University Same state (40 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus | TX | 43% | $68,424 | Compare |
Texas Christian University Same state (40 miles away) with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus | TX | 43% | $68,424 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
California State University-East Bay Similar quality tier (#69 ranked) | CA | 97% | $71,401 | #69 | Compare |
California State University-San Marcos Similar quality tier (#71 ranked) | CA | 96% | $62,908 | #71 | Compare |
Texas Tech University Similar quality tier in Southwest (#73 ranked) | TX | 71% | $62,454 | #73 | Compare |
University Of Arizona Similar quality tier in Southwest (#74 ranked) | AZ | 86% | $59,979 | #74 | Compare |
New Jersey Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#67 ranked) | NJ | 67% | $84,276 | #67 | Compare |