Overview
The University of Texas at Austin is a selective public four-year institution in Austin, Texas. The school accepts 31.4% of applicants and enrolls 42,100 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 31.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,365
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,230–1,500
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 42,100
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Your application to UT Austin hinges on demonstrating fit with specific programs and showing genuine connection to Texas. The university uses complete review, so your essays matter as much as your grades and test scores.
Write your personal statement about experiences that shaped your perspective, not generic topics like overcoming challenges or helping others. UT Austin wants to see how you think and what drives you. If you're applying to competitive programs like business, engineering, or computer science, use your essays to show depth in that field beyond just good grades in related classes.
Apply to the Honors programs if you qualify. Plan II offers an interdisciplinary liberal arts experience with small classes and close faculty mentorship. Business Honors provides direct admission to McCombs with improved curriculum. Engineering Honors gives research opportunities and priority registration. These programs have separate application requirements and earlier deadlines.
Texas residents get automatic admission if they graduate in the top six percent of their high school class, but this only guarantees admission to the university, not your preferred major. Competitive programs like engineering and business admit by major, so your class rank won't guarantee your spot in these schools.
The campus culture centers on school spirit, with football Saturdays defining fall semester social life. Greek life is significant but not dominant. Austin's music scene, food trucks, and outdoor activities along Lady Bird Lake create opportunities beyond campus. Students here tend to be ambitious but collaborative, especially in group projects that are common across majors.
Submit your application early in the cycle since UT Austin reviews applications as they arrive. Your choice of first and second-choice majors matters significantly. Don't pick an "easier" major thinking you can transfer later - internal transfers to popular programs like computer science or business are extremely competitive.
Texas residents should apply for state financial aid through the TASFA or FAFSA. Out-of-state students face limited merit aid options, so research scholarship opportunities early. The Terry Foundation Scholarship covers full costs for Texas residents with strong academic records and leadership experience.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $19,678/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $11,678
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $42,778
- Students Receiving Aid
- 25%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $75,121/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 96.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of Texas at Austin require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
UT Austin is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for The University of Texas at Austin?
The application deadline is December 1 for fall admission. UT Austin uses the ApplyTexas application system.
Does The University of Texas at Austin have early decision or early action?
UT Austin does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are reviewed under regular decision with the same December 1 deadline.
What is the automatic admission policy for The University of Texas at Austin?
Texas residents who graduate in the top 6% of their high school class are automatically admitted to UT Austin. This applies only to Texas high school graduates and guarantees admission to the university but not to specific programs.