Head-to-head · 2026
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Wharton County Junior College
Compare average net price ($4,831 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; $4,666 at Wharton County Junior College), ROI score (25.68 vs 24.09), ten-year median earnings ($49,620 vs $44,960), and admissions context (94.2% at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Open / not reported at Wharton County Junior College) using federal College Scorecard data. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Wharton County Junior College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 25.68 ✓ | 24.09 |
| Avg net price | $4,831 | $4,666 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,620 ✓ | $44,960 |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% ✓ | 27.3% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $7,703 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 28,666 | 4,585 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 985 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley costs $165 more per year than Wharton County Junior College ($4,831 vs $4,666). The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates report $4,660 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,620 vs $44,960). On EduGradify's model that puts The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ahead on projected ROI (25.68 vs 24.09, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports 94.2% acceptance; Wharton County Junior College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley vs Wharton County Junior College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or Wharton County Junior College the better value?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has the higher EduGradify ROI score (25.68 vs 24.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Wharton County Junior College is cheaper — average net price $4,666 per year vs $4,831 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The annual difference of $165 adds up to about $660 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 $44,960 at Wharton County Junior College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,660.
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. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reports a A+ value grade; Wharton County Junior College reports A+.