The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX Public ยท Urban Est. 1883 www.utexas.edu
Accept Rate
29.12%
Grad Rate
87.7%
Enrollment
42,100
Avg SAT
1380
Tuition
$11,678
Median Salary
$75,121
Overall Grade
B
A+
Academics
A-
Value
B+
Admissions
A+
Diversity
A
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Texas at Austin pulses with a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that blends big-time college spirit with a creative, entrepreneurial edge. From the iconic Tower to the bustling speedway, students feel an immense sense of school pride and community pride in the heart of Texas.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

29.12%
Very Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 138075th Pctl
12301490
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3075th Pctl
2733
1122436

Admissions Tips

For freshman applicants, being in the top 6% of your high school class guarantees admission under Texas' top 10% law, so focus on class rank. For non-auto-admit students, highlight leadership and unique extracurriculars in your application, as UT uses a holistic review process that values essays and achievements beyond just the 1380 average SAT score.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1380
40080012001600
School range: 1230โ€“1490

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UT Austin offers a powerhouse academic experience, particularly in its top-ranked Cockrell School of Engineering and McCombs School of Business, which are renowned for innovation and strong industry connections. With a favorable student-faculty ratio and extensive research opportunities, students receive high-quality instruction and access to groundbreaking projects alongside world-class professors.

Popular Majors

Multidisciplinary Studies
12.8%
Engineering
11.2%
Business & Marketing
11%
Biology & Biomedical
9.1%
Communications
8.6%
Social Sciences
7.1%
Computer Science
6.4%
Health Professions
4.6%
Psychology
4%
Mathematics & Statistics
3.5%
Foreign Languages
3.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

87.7%
Graduation Rate
96.1%
Retention Rate
42,100
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,678
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,678
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,842
Cost of attendance/year
25.1%
Receive Pell Grants
27.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Austin

Student life in Austin is defined by its eclectic 'Keep Austin Weird' culture, where you can catch live music on 6th Street or explore the vibrant food truck scene. Outdoor enthusiasts love kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt, all easily accessible from campus.

Local Rent Check

$1,650 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Austin
Explore Austin

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$46,712
$0Est. 4 Years: $46,712

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($75,121):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

UT Austin has its own dedicated police department and comprehensive safety programs, including the UTPD escort service and well-lit campus pathways. While Austin is generally safe, students should remain vigilant in the surrounding urban downtown area, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Top-tier programs in Engineering and Business with high post-graduation earnings
  • โœ“ Vibrant campus life with Division I sports, endless clubs, and a 96.1% retention rate
  • โœ“ Prime location in Austin offering access to tech internships and a thriving music scene
  • โœ“ High graduation rate of 87.7% indicating strong student support and success

Cons

  • โœ— Highly competitive admissions with a 29.12% acceptance rate, making access challenging for non-auto-admit students
  • โœ— Significant cost difference for out-of-state students at $42,778 per year
  • โœ— Large urban campus with 42,100 students can feel overwhelming for those seeking a small-school environment

Notable Alumni

Matthew McConaughey
Academy Award-winning actor and UT alum who studied film and has become a cultural icon.
Michael Dell
Founder of Dell Technologies and a billionaire entrepreneur who started the company while at UT.
Walter Cronkite
Legendary CBS News anchor, known as 'the most trusted man in America,' who attended UT for journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

UT Austin is renowned for its world-class engineering and business programs, as well as its multidisciplinary studies and communications departments. It's also famous for its massive size, passionate Longhorn sports culture, and as a hub for tech and creative industries in the heart of Austin.

Yes, it is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 29.12%. Admissions are highly competitive, especially for out-of-state applicants, with an average SAT score of 1380; Texas residents in the top 6% of their class are automatically admitted.

Campus life is dynamic and fast-paced, with a mix of academic rigor and spirited social activities, bolstered by a 96.1% retention rate. Students enjoy exploring Austin's music and food scene, attending football games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, and participating in over 1,000 student organizations.

For in-state students, absolutelyโ€”the $11,678 tuition and $75,121 median earnings provide an outstanding ROI. Out-of-state students benefit from strong career outcomes but should consider scholarships and the total $42,778 annual cost to ensure it aligns with their financial goals.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Dell Technologies IBM National Instruments Apple Amazon
Smart Start Score
88

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1883
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 43,718
  • In-State Tuition $11,678
  • Out-of-State $42,778
  • Zip Code 78705

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42% โ™€ 58%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition of $11,678 and an average net price of $19,678, UT Austin offers exceptional value for Texas residents, making it a financially smart choice. The 10-year median earnings of $75,121 for alumni demonstrate a strong return on investment, though out-of-state students paying $42,778 should carefully weigh the cost against potential earnings.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,678
Housing (12 mo) $19,800
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,678
With avg financial aid:
$19,678/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.