The University of Texas at Dallas: 84.7% Acceptance Rate

84.7%Acceptance

$14,564Tuition

21,317Students

71%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$68,227Earnings

#9 in TexasPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Texas at Dallas

UTD has earned a reputation as Texas's rising tech powerhouse, drawing 21,317 students to its Richardson campus in the heart of the Dallas metro area. The university is best known for producing software engineers and computer scientists who go straight into high-paying industry jobs. Notable graduates include video game legend John Carmack, who co-founded id Software, and Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. The engineering and computer science programs maintain strong industry connections that help students land internships and full-time positions.

Students pay an average net price of $17,435, which proves to be solid value given the outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $68,227 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for public universities. With typical debt loads of just $18,000, most graduates can comfortably manage their monthly loan payments of $191. The employment rate hits 93.4%, reflecting strong job market demand for UTD's technical graduates.

The student body is diverse and academically focused, with Asian students comprising 42.2% of enrollment and the median SAT score reaching 1300. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture classes are common, especially in popular majors. Most students are Texas residents (93.4%) who commute to campus rather than live in the limited on-campus housing.

Academics & Faculty

UT Dallas has built a reputation as a public research university that attracts students seeking strong STEM programs. The school enrolls 21,317 students with an impressive 42.20% Asian student population, reflecting its appeal among families prioritizing technical education. Computer science and engineering programs dominate the academic landscape, producing graduates who command a median salary of $68,227 ten years after graduation. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, especially in popular tech courses. With a 70.80% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully navigate the rigorous curriculum. The university's close ties to Dallas-area tech companies create abundant internship and job opportunities for engineering majors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 70.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 70.8%
Retention Rate: 88.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,227
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Systems Engineering.	Master	$101,406
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$94,674
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$94,408
Computer Engineering.	Master	$94,408
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.	Master	$81,333
Information Science/Studies.	Master	$75,518
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$74,953
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$69,098
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$67,324
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$64,990

View all 137 programs →

Campus Life

Richardson sits just 18 miles north of downtown Dallas, putting students within reach of major tech companies and internship opportunities. With housing capacity for 5,543 students but total enrollment of 21,317, roughly a quarter of students live on campus. The rest commute from the sprawling Dallas suburbs or nearby apartments.

Texas heat dominates most of the academic year, with students needing sunscreen more than winter coats. The 56% male student body reflects the university's tech-heavy focus, particularly with Asian students comprising 42% of enrollment. Weekends often revolve around study groups preparing for rigorous engineering and computer science coursework. The campus lacks big-time sports atmosphere since the Comets compete in Division III with zero athletic scholarships across 15 varsity sports.

Students frequently venture into Dallas for internships at major corporations or weekend entertainment, taking advantage of the city's job market that helps explain the strong $68,227 median earnings ten years after graduation. Campus life tends to be academically intense but professionally rewarding.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 5,543 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	6	6	0
Stalking	9	2	0
Dating Violence	5	5	0
Fondling	4	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	7
Domestic Violence	2	2	0
Burglary	2	1	0
Aggravated Assault	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–55°F
July Avg: 73°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UTD draws heavily from Texas, with 93% of students calling the Lone Star State home. The student body reflects the university's tech focus, with men slightly outnumbering women due to strong engineering and computer science programs. Asian students make up the largest demographic group at 42%, followed by white students at 22% and Hispanic students at 18%. This diverse mix mirrors the Dallas tech corridor's workforce. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking affordable STEM education. The demographics align perfectly with UTD's mission as a regional tech powerhouse.

Men: 56.5%
Women: 43.5%
White: 22.3%
Black: 5.8%
Hispanic: 18.1%
Asian: 42.2%
In-State Students: 93.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.7%

Location

UTD sits in Richardson, Texas, about 20 miles north of downtown Dallas. The campus operates within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, home to over 7 million people. Richardson functions as a tech corridor suburb rather than a traditional college town. The city houses major corporate headquarters including Texas Instruments and AT&T. Students access internships and jobs at Fortune 500 companies throughout the metro area. The flat North Texas landscape features urban sprawl and business districts. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. The region lacks mountains or beaches but offers professional sports teams and cultural attractions in nearby Dallas. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare The University of Texas at Dallas with similar schools in the region.

Address: Richardson, Texas 75080-3021

Engineering and Computer Science Complex

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $68,227
Median Earnings (5 years): $71,089
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $47,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $191/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UTD accepts 84.74% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170 and 1430 on the SAT. The school attracts strong students particularly interested in STEM fields and business programs.

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

Students pay an average net price of $17,435 after financial aid. In-state tuition runs $14,564 while out-of-state students pay $40,064. Graduates typically leave with just $18,000 in debt, well below the national average.

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

UTD built its reputation on strong engineering and computer science programs with close ties to the tech industry. The student body is 42.20% Asian, reflecting the school's STEM focus and appeal to academically driven students. Notable alumni include video game pioneer John Carmack and Atari founder Nolan Bushnell.

How well do graduates of The University of Texas at Dallas do after college?

UTD graduates earn a median salary of $68,227 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of its technical programs. The employment rate reaches 93.4% and the loan repayment rate hits 64.74%. The school's strong industry connections help students land well-paying jobs in the Dallas tech corridor.

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

The campus houses 5,543 students in residence halls and apartments, serving about a quarter of the 21,317 total enrollment. Most students are local, with 93.38% coming from Texas. The Richardson location puts students in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with easy access to major employers.

Does The University of Texas at Dallas offer athletic scholarships?

UTD competes in NCAA Division III and offers $0 in athletic scholarships, focusing resources on academics instead. The Comets field 15 varsity sports with 295 total athletes in the Lone Star Conference. Students choose UTD for educational opportunities rather than athletic programs.