Sul Ross State University
Sul Ross State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Sul Ross State University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Sul Ross State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,871 — 22% below average — while paying $13,286/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Sul Ross State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Sul Ross State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #70 of 82 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #70 | Sul Ross State University | 23 | $13,286 | $41,871 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Sul Ross State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in TX.
Best Programs at Sul Ross State University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Sul Ross State University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,286/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Alpine, TX
- Student Body
- 1,396 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,286
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,871
- Median Student Debt
- $15,900