University of Dallas
University of Dallas — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Dallas at a Glance
The University of Dallas is a private Catholic university in Irving, Texas, United States. Established in 1956, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1956
70 years old
$98M
$98.3 million (2024)
2,076
1,444 undergrad · 632 grad
744 acres
Identity
Is University of Dallas Worth It?
University of Dallas offers moderate value at $22,610/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $58,285, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Dallas compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #7 of 60 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 | Wofford College | 76 | $18,732 | $68,964 |
| #2 | Wabash College | 55 | $24,336 | $69,952 |
| #3 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #4 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #5 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #6 | Allegheny College | 47 | $22,940 | $62,069 |
| #7 | University of Dallas | 45 | $22,610 | $58,285 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Dallas's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TX.
Best Programs at University of Dallas
The highest-earning program at University of Dallas is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $45,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $19,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Dallas earns $45,900, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $19,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $25,667 in median debt vs. $21,500 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,610/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,900 | $45,900 | $25,667 |
| Economics | $38,100 | $38,100 | $27,000 |
| History | $28,900 | $28,900 | $26,360 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $19,900 | $19,900 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Irving, TX
- Student Body
- 1,403 students
- Admission Rate
- 53%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,610
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,285
- Median Student Debt
- $23,117