Head-to-head · 2026
College of the Mainland vs The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for College of the Mainland, 2 for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — College of the Mainland has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | College of the Mainland | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 73.84 ✓ | 25.68 |
| Avg net price | $1,342 ✓ | $4,831 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,639 | $49,620 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 94.2% |
| Graduation rate | 31.2% | 50.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $5,960 ✓ | $12,950 |
| Enrollment | 3,368 | 28,666 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 985 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley costs $3,489 more per year than College of the Mainland ($4,831 vs $1,342). The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates report $9,981 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,620 vs $39,639). On EduGradify's model that puts College of the Mainland ahead on projected ROI (73.84 vs 25.68, 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, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports 94.2% acceptance; College of the Mainland does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of the Mainland vs The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of the Mainland or The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley the better value?
College of the Mainland has the higher EduGradify ROI score (73.84 vs 25.68), 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 $4,831 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The annual difference of $3,489 adds up to about $13,956 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,620 vs $39,639 at College of the Mainland. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,981.
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; The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports A+.