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Head-to-head comparison

Dallas Baptist University vs Southwestern University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Dallas TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Georgetown TX

Option A Dallas, TX

Dallas Baptist University

Net price / year
$28,516
Earnings, 10 years
$56,807
Payback
13.5 yrs

Option B Georgetown, TX

Southwestern University

Net price / year
$29,224
Earnings, 10 years
$56,878
Payback
13.7 yrs
The verdict

Dallas Baptist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,064 in 13.5 years versus 13.7 years at Southwestern University, on median earnings of $56,807 vs $56,878 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDallas Baptist UniversitySouthwestern University
Net price / yr$28,516$29,224
Total net cost$114,064$116,896
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,807$56,878
Median debt$21,591$25,000
Payback13.5 yrs13.7 yrs
20-year net return$54,876$53,464

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University?

Dallas Baptist University, at $28,516 a year after aid versus $29,224 — a gap of $708 a year, or $2,832 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University graduates earn more?

Southwestern University graduates report a median $56,878 ten years after entry, $71 more than the $56,807 at Dallas Baptist University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University?

Dallas Baptist University: its completers carry a median $21,591 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Southwestern University, a difference of $3,409. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at Southwestern University, against 57% at Dallas Baptist University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Dallas Baptist University vs Southwestern University: frequently asked questions

Is Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University a better value?
Dallas Baptist University. It clears its $114,064 net cost in about 13.5 years versus 13.7 years at Southwestern University, on median earnings of $56,807 vs $56,878 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University?
Dallas Baptist University: $28,516/yr net price after aid versus $29,224/yr at Southwestern University — a difference of $708 a year, or about $2,832 over four years.
Do Dallas Baptist University or Southwestern University graduates earn more?
Southwestern University graduates earn a median $56,878 ten years after entry, versus $56,807 at Dallas Baptist University — a $71 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.