The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university located in Austin, Texas, United States, founded in 1883. For fall 2024, UT Austin reported an enrollment of 43,165 undergraduate students and 10,699 postgraduate students, bringing the total student body to 53,864. The student body is known for its diversity, with students representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and international origins. With more than 50,000 students, UT Austin is one of the largest and most highly regarded public universities in the country.

Location and Size

UT Austin’s university campus is located in central Austin, adjacent to downtown tech and cultural districts. The university's property totals 1,438.5 acres, including the Main Campus and the J. J. Pickle Research Campus. The campus features an extensive tunnel system that links buildings across the university campus, measuring approximately six miles in length. The university’s proximity to Austin’s vibrant technology corridor enhances internship and industry partnership opportunities for students. UT Austin is the flagship campus of the University of Texas System and is recognized as a top public university with a strong focus on research excellence and innovation.

Academic Excellence & Rankings

UT Austin is ranked among the top national universities and consistently appears in the top public schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Known for its academic excellence and breadth of academics, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate and 170 graduate degrees. The university holds Carnegie R1 classification, indicating very high research activity with annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. UT Austin was tied for 30th among all universities in the US and tied for 7th among public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Its programs in engineering, business, computer science, and liberal arts are especially notable, with numerous nationally ranked programs across disciplines. The accounting and Latin American history programs are consistently ranked top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and 76 undergraduate and graduate programs are ranked in the top 10 among public and private institutions. The university features advanced research facilities such as the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and maintains the nation's fifth-largest academic library system with over 10 million volumes. UT Austin also houses seven museums and seventeen libraries, making it the seventh-largest academic library in the country.

Admissions Requirements

General Undergraduate Admissions

UT Austin follows a competitive admissions policy, considering GPA, standardized test scores, class rank, and holistic review factors. Under Texas House Bill 588, the university currently admits the top 6% of Texas high school graduates, guaranteeing admission to public universities for top-performing students.

The university maintains selective admission standards with competitive SAT and ACT score ranges reflecting UT Austin’s academic excellence. For the 2024 admissions cycle, SAT/ACT scores are encouraged but not required; however, for students applying for admission from fall 2025 onwards, submission of SAT/ACT scores will be mandatory as part of their undergraduate admission application.

In addition to academic metrics, UT Austin considers holistic review factors, and in the 2020–2021 academic year, 79 freshman students were National Merit Scholars at the University of Texas at Austin.

The university’s selectivity is further demonstrated by its high retention and graduation rates, with a four year graduation rate of 75.7% and a first-year retention rate of 97.1%.

International Student Application Process

UT Austin welcomes international students and offers dedicated support services. Applicants must submit transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and meet visa requirements. The university provides resources to help international students integrate into campus life.

Cost to Attend UT Austin

Tuition

- In-state tuition: Approximately $11,688 per year, offering Texas residents competitive rates for quality higher education at this flagship institution.
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $44,908 per year, reflecting the premium value of attending one of the nation’s top public research universities.

Additional Expenses

- Books and supplies: On average, students spend about $724 annually on necessary academic materials.
- On-campus room and board: Housing and meal plans typically cost around $14,828 per year.

Total Estimated Cost

- In-state students can expect total expenses—including tuition, fees, housing, and supplies—of approximately $27,240 per year.
- Out-of-state students should budget for total annual costs near $60,460.

These figures provide a comprehensive overview to help prospective students plan financially for their education at UT Austin.

Scholarships & Financial Aid Options

UT Austin offers numerous scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to support students financially. Merit-based and need-based aid is available, with special programs for high-achieving applicants and students from diverse backgrounds.

Campus Life

Student Organisations & Clubs

UT Austin hosts hundreds of registered student organizations, including student government, spirit groups, and cultural clubs that enrich student engagement and foster community connections.

Housing & Dorm Options

The university provides various housing options on campus, with residence halls and apartment-style accommodations tailored for different student needs. Living Learning Communities offer residents the opportunity to live with individuals sharing similar academic interests or majors.

Athletics & Student Culture

UT Austin’s Longhorns compete in NCAA Division I as part of major conference athletics. The university’s rich traditions, including iconic campus landmarks and strong school spirit, contribute to a vibrant student culture and community involvement.

Campus Safety and Security

The University of Texas at Austin prioritises campus safety and security to support a safe and productive learning environment. The university’s police department, UTPD, is a fully accredited law enforcement agency that operates 24/7 to protect the UT Austin campus. Officers provide rapid emergency response, visible patrols, and crime prevention services across university facilities.

UT Austin supports campus safety through a range of programmes and resources. The Campus Watch initiative encourages students and staff to report suspicious activity and remain aware of their surroundings. Additional services include self-defence classes, late-night safety escort programmes, and a 24/7 crisis hotline available to all students.

Emergency preparedness is a key part of the university’s safety strategy. UT Austin maintains a comprehensive emergency management plan that addresses situations such as natural disasters and active threats. A mass notification system sends real-time alerts and instructions to students and staff during emergencies, while regular safety drills and training help ensure the campus community is prepared.

The university’s safety measures are widely recognised. According to U.S. News & World Report, UT Austin ranks among the safer universities in the United States, with crime rates lower than many comparable institutions. These efforts help create a secure campus environment where students can focus on their studies.

Special Programs & Colleges

College of Engineering

Known as the Cockrell School of Engineering, UT Austin's College of Engineering is a leader in engineering education and research. The Cockrell School is nationally recognized for its excellence, with its biomedical engineering program consistently ranked among the top in the country alongside other specialized engineering departments. The college offers competitive admission and innovative programs with strong industry connections and research opportunities.

McCombs School of Business

Nationally recognized for preparing students for careers in business, finance, and entrepreneurship, with strong alumni networks and career placement outcomes.

Online Degrees & Research Opportunities

UT Austin offers a wide array of degree programs with flexible learning options. Research opportunities abound across disciplines, with significant funding supporting projects in science, engineering, technology, and liberal arts.

Pros & Cons of Attending UT Austin

Pros:

Top-ranked public research university
UT Austin is widely recognised as one of the leading public universities in the United States, with nationally ranked programmes in areas such as engineering, business, and computer science.

Strong research and innovation opportunities
As an R1 research university with more than $1 billion in annual research funding, students have opportunities to work alongside faculty on major research projects and initiatives.

Location in a major technology hub
Austin is home to major employers including Apple, Tesla, Dell and many fast-growing startups, creating strong internship, networking and career opportunities for students.

Active campus culture and school spirit
- With more than 1,200 student organisations, major athletics programmes, and traditions surrounding the Longhorns, UT Austin offers a vibrant and highly engaged student community.

Considerations:

Highly competitive admission and selective programmes
Popular majors such as business, engineering and computer science can be particularly competitive to enter and may have additional admission requirements.

Large student population
With more than 50,000 students, some classes—especially introductory courses—may be larger than at smaller universities.

High demand for housing
Living in Austin can be expensive compared with other Texas cities, and demand for student housing both on and off campus can be competitive.

Busy and fast-growing city environment
Austin offers exciting cultural opportunities and events, but the city’s rapid growth has also brought increased traffic and higher living costs.

Notable Alumni

UT Austin graduates include leaders in business, technology, sports, arts, and public service, representing the university’s broad impact across industries and sectors.

Notable alumni in music performance have achieved national and international recognition, with many pursuing successful careers as musicians, performers, and educators.

Among its distinguished alumni, UT Austin counts former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, who made significant contributions to environmental and social causes, and Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the first woman to serve as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

FAQs

What is UT Austin best known for? UT Austin is known for its research intensity, flagship status, and top-ranked programs in engineering, business, and computer science. The campus is also recognized for its iconic Main Building, featuring a 307-foot tower designed by Paul Philippe Cret and completed in 1937, which serves as a symbol and focal point of the university.

Is UT Austin public or private? UT Austin is a public university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System.

How selective is UT Austin admission? UT Austin maintains competitive admission standards with holistic review processes considering academic achievement, test scores, and other factors.

What GPA do you need to get into UT Austin? UT Austin does not publish a strict minimum GPA requirement, admitted students typically have strong academic records and rank highly within their high school class. Many successful applicants are in the top 6–10% of their graduating class, particularly for competitive programmes.

What majors is UT Austin known for? UT Austin is particularly well known for programmes in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Business (McCombs School of Business), Computer Science, and Accounting. Several of these programmes are ranked among the top in the United States.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The University of Texas at Austin offers a dynamic and supportive environment for students seeking a quality education in one of America’s most vibrant cities. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus or request more information to explore how UT Austin can help them achieve their academic and career goals.