Head-to-head · 2026
College of the Mainland vs South Texas College
Compare average net price ($1,342 at College of the Mainland; $1,751 at South Texas College), ROI score (73.84 vs 52.52), ten-year median earnings ($39,639 vs $36,788), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of the Mainland; Open / not reported at South Texas College) using federal College Scorecard data. College of the Mainland has a 4-0 metric-level edge. College of the Mainland has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of the Mainland | South Texas College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 73.84 ✓ | 52.52 |
| Avg net price | $1,342 ✓ | $1,751 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,639 ✓ | $36,788 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 31.2% ✓ | 27.3% |
| Median debt | $5,960 | — |
| Enrollment | 3,368 | 15,856 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Texas College costs $409 more per year than College of the Mainland ($1,751 vs $1,342). College of the Mainland graduates report $2,851 higher median earnings after ten years ($39,639 vs $36,788). On EduGradify's model that puts College of the Mainland ahead on projected ROI (73.84 vs 52.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of the Mainland) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
College of the Mainland vs South Texas College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of the Mainland or South Texas College the better value?
College of the Mainland has the higher EduGradify ROI score (73.84 vs 52.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of the Mainland is cheaper — average net price $1,342 per year vs $1,751 at South Texas College. The annual difference of $409 adds up to about $1,636 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
College of the Mainland reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $39,639 vs $36,788 at South Texas College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,851.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of the Mainland reports a A+ value grade; South Texas College reports A+.