Huston-Tillotson University: 51.9% Acceptance Rate

51.9%Acceptance

$14,703Tuition

982Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,937Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUMultiple Protestant

About Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University serves 982 students as one of Texas's historically black universities. The school emphasizes liberal arts and sciences education in small classroom settings. Nearly 93% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community in the heart of Austin. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to know students personally and provide individualized attention.

Students pay an average net price of $19,847 after financial aid, with 62% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $42,937 ten years after graduation, but carry $30,750 in median debt. The monthly loan payment of $326 represents a significant portion of entry-level salaries. Only 34% graduate in four years, and the 36% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on time.

The campus houses 573 students in a city known for its active music scene and tech industry. Women make up 53% of the student body, with 76% of students identifying as Black and 16% as Hispanic. The Rams compete in eight NAIA sports with 159 total athletes. With a 50% retention rate, about half of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating challenges with student persistence.

Academics & Faculty

Huston-Tillotson focuses on liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on developing well-rounded graduates through broad exposure to multiple disciplines. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personalized attention and mentorship. However, the 36% six-year graduation rate reflects significant academic and financial challenges that many students face. As a historically black university, HT prioritizes culturally responsive education and supporting first-generation college students. The school is particularly known for its teacher education and business programs, which have historically served the African American community in Texas. With 75% of students identifying as Black and 62% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves a predominantly low-income student population seeking affordable higher education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 34.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.1%
Retention Rate: 50.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,937
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Campus sits in the heart of Austin, meaning students can walk to food trucks, music venues, and internships downtown. The university enrolls 982 students with housing for 573, creating a close-knit atmosphere where most underclassmen live on campus. Texas weather means shorts year-round with occasional jackets in winter, though students spend more time indoors during scorching summer months.

The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. As a historically black university, 76% of students are Black with strong cultural traditions around homecoming and Greek life. Weekend life centers around Austin's famous music scene, with students heading to South by Southwest venues or catching live shows on Sixth Street. The small size means campus events feel personal rather than massive. Students often study together in groups, and the semester system allows for deep dives into coursework. Many of the 92% in-state students stay connected to Austin's tech and business communities, setting up networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 573 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	6	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–59°F
July Avg: 71°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Students at this historically black university are overwhelmingly from Texas, with nearly 93% coming from in-state. The student body is primarily African American, reflecting the school's HBCU mission of serving Black students in the Austin area. Over 62% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to educating first-generation and lower-income students. Women slightly outnumber men on campus. The strong local draw suggests Huston-Tillotson has built deep roots in the Texas community, particularly among families seeking an affordable, culturally affirming college experience close to home.

Men: 47.0%
Women: 53.1%
White: 3.2%
Black: 75.9%
Hispanic: 16.3%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 92.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 62.4%

Location

Huston-Tillotson University sits in Austin, the capital city of Texas with over one million residents. The campus occupies the heart of one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Austin pulses with live music venues, tech companies, and the famous "Keep Austin Weird" culture that draws young professionals nationwide. The university's 92.90% in-state enrollment reflects strong ties to local Texas communities. Students experience big-city amenities including internship opportunities, cultural events, and diverse dining options within walking distance of campus. The Colorado River runs through downtown Austin just minutes from the university. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Huston-Tillotson University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Austin, Texas 78702-2795

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,937
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $326/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $30,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Huston-Tillotson University?

Huston-Tillotson University accepts 52% of applicants with an average SAT score of 920. This historically black university in Austin provides accessible higher education opportunities for students seeking a liberal arts education with small class sizes.

How much does Huston-Tillotson University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,847 annually at Huston-Tillotson University. The school charges the same tuition rate of $14,703 for both in-state and out-of-state students, with 62% of students receiving financial aid.

What are the class sizes like at Huston-Tillotson University?

Huston-Tillotson University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with just 982 total students enrolled. This small HBCU environment allows for personalized attention and close relationships between professors and students in liberal arts and sciences programs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Huston-Tillotson University?

Huston-Tillotson University graduates earn a median salary of $42,937 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 92%. However, the six-year graduation rate is 36%, reflecting the challenges many students face at this small private institution.

Where do students live at Huston-Tillotson University?

Huston-Tillotson University houses 573 students on campus with room and board costing $8,449 annually. The campus sits in Austin, Texas, giving students access to the active music and tech scene of one of the country's fastest-growing cities.

Is Huston-Tillotson University diverse?

Huston-Tillotson University serves primarily Black students at 76% of enrollment, with 16% Hispanic students and 93% from Texas. As a historically black university with multiple Protestant affiliations, it continues its mission of serving underrepresented communities in higher education.