Connecticut vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 94.2% acceptance). Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #801-900). Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $43,712 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Connecticut for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 94.2% acceptance); Connecticut has a higher median SAT (1348 vs 985).
Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $50K); Connecticut has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.3% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $43,712); Connecticut offers a larger average aid package ($21,535 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 12,137 |
| International students | 11% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Connecticut or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Connecticut graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $74K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Texas rio grande valley?
Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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