The University of Texas at San Antonio logo

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Accept Rate
88.46%
Grad Rate
52.3%
Enrollment
29,675
Avg SAT
1102
Tuition
$8,991
Median Salary
$57,131
Overall Grade
C+
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Texas at San Antonio buzzes with the energy of a large, diverse urban campus where students are deeply connected to the culture and economy of the Alamo City. It feels like a place where you can blend hands-on learning with a vibrant, fast-paced city life, all while cheering on the Roadrunners at a packed football game.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

88.46%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 110275th Pctl
10001200
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1926
1122436

Admissions Tips

With its high acceptance rate, UTSA is generally accessible, but you should still aim to meet or exceed the average SAT score of 1102 to be a competitive applicant for scholarships. Be sure to highlight any interest in their top programs like Cybersecurity or Business in your application essays, as these are signature areas of strength for the university.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1102
40080012001600
School range: 1000โ€“1200

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

Academics & Majors

UTSA is a powerhouse in cybersecurity and engineering, holding the prestigious National Center of Academic Excellence designation. The university emphasizes practical, hands-on research opportunities, particularly in its state-of-the-art facilities like the Biotechnology Sciences and Engineering Building.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.3%
Computer Science
12%
Psychology
8.8%
Engineering
7.4%
Biology & Biomedical
7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.4%
Health Professions
6.2%
Education
4.9%
Social Sciences
4.1%
Communications
3.8%
Criminal Justice
3.3%
Architecture
2.3%

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

By The Numbers

52.3%
Graduation Rate
79.4%
Retention Rate
29,675
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
$8,991
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$11,234
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,474
Cost of attendance/year
42.2%
Receive Pell Grants
42.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a rich cultural experience, from the historic River Walk and the Alamo to the vibrant Fiesta festival. Students enjoy the city's diverse food scene, cheering on the Spurs, and exploring the nearby Texas Hill Country for outdoor activities.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

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

$35,964
$0Est. 4 Years: $35,964

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($57,131):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus has its own dedicated police force and offers safety resources like the Rowdy Guardian app and shuttle services. San Antonio is a major metropolitan area, so students should practice standard urban safety awareness, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High return on investment with low in-state tuition and strong post-grad earnings.
  • โœ“ Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-CO).
  • โœ“ Massive and diverse student body (nearly 30,000 students) offers a wide range of clubs and experiences.
  • โœ“ Strong ties to San Antonio's growing business and tech sectors provide excellent internship opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— The 52.3% graduation rate is below the national average for public universities.
  • โœ— As a large commuter-heavy campus, the traditional 'college town' residential experience is less pronounced.
  • โœ— The 88.46% acceptance rate means classes can be large, especially in introductory courses.

Notable Alumni

Adrian Zaccagnino
Co-founder of the fast-casual restaurant chain Z Tejas Grillers.
Ron Nirenberg
Mayor of San Antonio.
Judy L. Ley
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at USAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

UTSA is widely recognized for its nationally-ranked cybersecurity program, housed within the College of Engineering. It is also known for its strong Business and Marketing programs, its commitment to serving a diverse student population, and its vibrant athletics, particularly in football.

No, UTSA is not considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 88.46%. While admission is accessible for many, applicants are encouraged to have a solid academic record; the middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1030 and 1180.

Campus life is energetic and spirited, with over 300 student organizations and a strong focus on athletics. With a high retention rate of 79.4%, many students feel connected to the campus community, though the experience can vary depending on whether students live on campus or commute.

Yes, especially for Texas residents. The combination of a low in-state tuition ($8,991) and an average net price ($11,234) makes it an affordable path to a degree. The 10-year median earnings of $57,131 and its role as a top feeder school for local employers like USAA and H-E-B demonstrate strong financial value.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

USAA H-E-B Whataburger Valero Energy Methodist Healthcare
Smart Start Score
59

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 33,259
  • In-State Tuition $8,991
  • Out-of-State $21,965
  • Zip Code 78249

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.8% โ™€ 52.2%

The Money Talk

UTSA offers a strong return on investment, especially for in-state students with an average net price of $11,234. With a 10-year median earnings of $57,131 and a high Pell Grant rate, the university provides significant value and access for a diverse student body.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of Utah

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 $8,991
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $30,555
With avg financial aid:
$11,234/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.