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31.4%Acceptance
$11,678Tuition
42,100Students
88%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$75,121Earnings
#1 in TexasPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin draws 42,100 students to one of the country's major research universities, where the massive scale creates both opportunities and challenges. The school operates one of the largest academic libraries in the United States and houses the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, making it a center for serious research and political studies. Notable graduates include Dell founder Michael Dell and actor Matthew McConaughey, reflecting the school's strength in both business and liberal arts. The 31% acceptance rate means competition is real, but not impossible for strong students.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Texas residents pay just $11,678 in tuition, while the average student graduates with $20,500 in debt. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings hit $75,121, making those loan payments of $217 per month very manageable. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and the net price drops to under $13,000 for families earning less than $30,000 annually.

With nearly 90% of students coming from Texas, this feels like the state's flagship university in every sense. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but the 96% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to the size. The Longhorns compete in the SEC now, adding even more excitement to an already spirited campus.

Academics & Faculty

UT Austin is a major public research university that attracts serious students, with an acceptance rate of 31.35% and SAT scores averaging 1365. The school is famous for its business program, which consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally, and its engineering college, which produces more graduates than almost any other university in the country. Students also have access to one of the largest academic libraries in the United States. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, especially in introductory courses, but the 87.60% six-year graduation rate shows most students successfully navigate the system. The university's size means you can find almost any program you want, from journalism to computer science.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
83.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
87.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
87.6%
Retention Rate
96.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,121
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $131,707
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $120,124
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Doctoral $110,878
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Master $109,763
Engineering, Other. Master $106,421
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. Master $102,706
Law. Doctoral $100,607
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $97,959
Mechanical Engineering. Doctoral $90,412
Physics. Doctoral $89,305

View all 345 programs →

Campus Life

Austin gives you true college town energy in a major city. The campus sits right in downtown Austin, so you can walk to music venues on 6th Street, food trucks, and tech company offices where students intern. Texas weather means shorts and t-shirts most of the year, though you'll want a light jacket for brief winter months. Only about 19% of the 42,100 students live in the 7,960 on-campus housing spots, so most upperclassmen rent apartments near campus or commute from around the city.

Game days transform the entire area when the Longhorns play, especially during football season. Students pack the massive stadium and tailgate for hours beforehand. The "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign appears everywhere on campus. Weekend activities range from live music at venues like Stubbs or the Continental Club to floating the nearby rivers during hot months. The campus library system ranks among the largest in the country, but students often study at coffee shops around town instead. With 89.95% of students from Texas, you'll find a strong state pride mixed with Austin's "Keep it Weird" culture.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
7,960 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 53 10 4 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 23 0 13 6
Burglary 19 2 13 0
Fondling 20 6 4 1
Domestic Violence 15 5 6 2
Rape 13 12 1 0
Aggravated Assault 4 0 4 7
Dating Violence 7 3 3 1
Robbery 6 0 1 2
Arson 3 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
41°–62°F
July Avg
75°–96°F
Annual Precipitation
36.3"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

UT Austin draws mostly Texas students, with nearly 90% coming from in-state, which shows how deeply the school is woven into the state's identity. The student body of 42,100 is more diverse than many flagship universities, with Hispanic students making up 28% and Asian students 25%. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, meaning the university serves a solid mix of economic backgrounds. Women slightly outnumber men at 58%, reflecting the school's strength in liberal arts and social sciences alongside its famous business and engineering programs.
Men
42.1%
Women
58.0%
White
31.6%
Black
4.7%
Hispanic
28.3%
Asian
25.4%
In-State Students
90.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.1%

Location

UT Austin sits in the heart of Texas's capital city, home to 965,000 people and known for its "Keep Austin Weird" culture. The campus spreads across central Austin, where students can walk to the famous Sixth Street entertainment district or catch live music at venues that made the city the "Live Music Capital of the World." Austin's tech boom has earned it the nickname "Silicon Hills," with major companies like Apple, Google, and Meta operating large offices here. The Colorado River runs through the city, creating popular spots like Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and hiking. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare UT Austin with similar schools in the region.
Address
Austin, Texas 78705
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott
James P. Allison EM1B5525
James P. Allison EM1B5525
Wes Anderson-7541
Wes Anderson-7541

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$75,121
Median Earnings (5 years)
$74,802
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$52,200
Loan Repayment Rate
76.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Texas at Austin?

UT Austin accepts 31.35% of applicants, making it moderately selective among flagship state universities. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1230 and 1500 on the SAT, reflecting the competitive nature of this top-tier public research institution.

How much does The University of Texas at Austin cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $19,678 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,972 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost due to limited need-based aid at this public university.

What is The University of Texas at Austin known for academically?

UT Austin operates one of the largest academic library systems in the United States and houses the LBJ Presidential Library. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and strong research programs, the university has produced notable alumni including Dell founder Michael Dell and actor Matthew McConaughey.

What are the career outcomes for The University of Texas at Austin graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $75,121 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 94.2%. The university maintains an impressive 87.6% six-year graduation rate, reflecting both student success and the value of a Longhorn degree in the job market.

Where do students live at The University of Texas at Austin?

Campus housing accommodates 7,960 students out of the total enrollment of 42,100, meaning most students live off-campus in Austin. The university draws heavily from Texas, with 89.95% of students coming from in-state, creating a strong local connection to the active Austin community.

Does The University of Texas at Austin have strong athletics?

The Longhorns compete in 17 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level, recently joining the strong Southeastern Conference. With 581 total athletes and over $15 million in athletic scholarships, UT Austin maintains historic rivalries with Texas A&M and Oklahoma while building a national sports reputation.