University of Texas at Austin
The Vibe Check
The University of Texas at Austin pulses with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where school spirit meets innovation. Walking through the sprawling, tree-lined campus, you feel a unique blend of academic intensity and laid-back Texan culture. It's a place where cheering at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is just as common as late-night study sessions in the Perry-Castañeda Library.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UT Austin is a global research powerhouse, particularly renowned for its top-ranked McCombs School of Business and Cockrell School of Engineering. The academic environment is rigorous and collaborative, driven by world-class faculty who are leaders in their fields. Students have access to groundbreaking research opportunities from their undergraduate years, fueled by significant resources and a culture of discovery.
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Austin
Austin's motto 'Keep Austin Weird' comes to life for students, who enjoy a world-class music scene, countless food trucks, and outdoor activities around Lady Bird Lake. The city offers a vibrant social scene with everything from paddleboarding and hiking the Greenbelt to exploring the famous South Congress Avenue (SoCo) district. Students can also dive into major events like the Austin City Limits music festival or SXSW, making weekends endlessly entertaining.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($75,000):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
UT Austin has its own large, well-trained police department (UTPD) that maintains a visible presence on campus and in surrounding areas. While the campus itself is generally safe, the urban setting requires students to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, and utilize services like the university's safety escort program.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-class academic programs, especially in business, engineering, and computer science.
- ✓ Massive and powerful alumni network offering strong career opportunities.
- ✓ Vibrant city of Austin provides endless internships, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
- ✓ Unmatched school spirit and tradition centered around Longhorn athletics.
Cons
- ✗ Large class sizes in introductory courses can feel impersonal.
- ✗ Highly competitive internal transfer process for popular majors like business and engineering.
- ✗ The urban campus and surrounding area can be expensive for students on a tight budget.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UT Austin is globally recognized as a top-tier research institution, particularly for its elite programs at the McCombs School of Business and Cockrell School of Engineering. It is also famous for its passionate school spirit, embodied by its mascot Bevo and the Longhorn football team, and its deep ties to the vibrant cultural and tech scene of Austin.
Yes, UT Austin has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 32%. For Texas residents, admission is guaranteed if you graduate in the top 6% of your high school class; however, admission to specific majors (like business or engineering) is more selective. For non-residents and those outside the top 6%, the average admitted student has a GPA above 3.8 and an ACT score of 32 or SAT score of 1420.
Campus life is dynamic and fast-paced, with over 1,300 student organizations and a heavy emphasis on school spirit, especially during football season. The 40-acre campus is a bustling hub within the city, offering a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. Students balance academics with exploring downtown Austin's music and food scene, studying at the iconic towers, and participating in traditions like Tower Tours and the Battle of the Flowers.
For in-state students, UT Austin is widely considered an excellent financial investment, offering an elite education at a public school price point with median graduate earnings of $75,000 after ten years. The ROI is strong due to low tuition and high post-graduation salaries. For out-of-state students, the value is still significant due to the university's prestige and powerful alumni network, though the higher tuition requires careful consideration of the specific program's career outcomes.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1883
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- In-State Tuition $11,752
- Out-of-State $40,996
- Zip Code 78712
The Money Talk
For in-state students, UT Austin offers an exceptional return on investment, with a low tuition cost compared to national averages and strong post-graduation earnings. The $75,000 median 10-year earnings for graduates significantly outweighs the total in-state cost, making it a financially savvy choice. While the out-of-state price is steep, the university's reputation and powerful alumni network in Texas and beyond still provide a solid ROI for non-residents.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.