The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a public university in Austin, TX ranked #65 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 42,855 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 26.6%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 96.7% first-year retention, and 88.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $19,857, about $2,859 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -23.3%, roughly 108.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $60,896. That's about $17,208 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.
Who is The University of Texas at Austin Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
The University of Texas at Austin graduates 88.9% of students within six years and keeps 96.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use The University of Texas at Austin's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,688 |
| Books and Supplies | $724 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,828 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,206 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,247 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.9% of The University of Texas at Austin students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,553 to $30,082 depending on family income. Use The University of Texas at Austin's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,406/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,082/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $60,896
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,896
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,909
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.8%
- Employment Rate 91.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for The University of Texas at Austin graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
The University of Texas at Austin vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how The University of Texas at Austin's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes The University of Texas at Austin's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $60,896 median, the -23.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-740
- SAT Math 620-770
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 42,855
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.7%
- Graduation Rate 88.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into The University of Texas at Austin
1. Meet Academic Requirements: The University of Texas at Austin requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 26.6%, The University of Texas at Austin is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: The University of Texas at Austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1250 and 1510 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among The University of Texas at Austin undergraduates. Biology, General, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi, and Economics draw the most students.
- Biology, General 5.8%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 5.2%
- Economics 4.2%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.1%
- Psychology, General 4.0%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.8%
See more majors
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 3.3%
- Political Science and Government 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $132,436
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $123,101
- 3. Petroleum Engineering $121,692
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $116,432
- 5. Management Information Systems and Services $112,047
- 6. Chemical Engineering $110,742
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $104,021
- 8. Architectural Engineering $100,699
- 9. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $100,587
- 10. Economics $97,244
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $183,281
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $174,177
- 3. Engineering, Other (Master's Degree) $164,241
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $159,411
- 5. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $152,332
- 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $146,858
- 7. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $135,654
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $134,215
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $111,580
- 10. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $110,994
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $132,436—36% more than Economics ($97,244). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $183,281 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for The University of Texas at Austin. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biological and Physical Sciences (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 744 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 628 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 587 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 567 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 450 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (76 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International/Global Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Journalism
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Management Information Systems and Services
- History
- Sociology
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Petroleum Engineering
- Social Work
- Geography and Cartography
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Sustainability Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Philosophy
- Music
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Architecture
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Architectural Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Computational Science
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- International Business
- Archeology
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Online Master's Degrees (91 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Social Work
- Information Science/Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Civil Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Economics
- Architecture
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Music
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Area Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Petroleum Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Environmental Design
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computational Science
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Public Health
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Journalism
- Design and Applied Arts
- History
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Engineering Mechanics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Anthropology
- Marine Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Materials Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Architectural Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sustainability Studies
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Doctoral Degrees (76 programs)â–¼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Music
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Economics
- Petroleum Engineering
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Computational Science
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Psychology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Engineering Mechanics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Statistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Area Studies
- Social Work
- Materials Engineering
- Journalism
- Industrial Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Philosophy
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Marine Sciences
- Information Science/Studies
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Health
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Geography and Cartography
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Music
- Engineering, General
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Architecture
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (38 programs)â–¼
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Business/Commerce, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Security Science and Technology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Statistics
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Engineering, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Real Estate
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Sustainability Studies
- International Business
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computational Science
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Engineering, Other
- Marine Sciences
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- History
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Work
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Area Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Medicine
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 42,855
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.2%
- Female Students 57.8%
- Caucasian 30.4%
- Asian 25.7%
- Hispanic 28.3%
- Black 4.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects The University of Texas at Austin's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of The University of Texas at Austin's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The University of Texas at Austin support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Texas at Austin, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The University of Texas at Austin has a diverse student body, with 30.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does The University of Texas at Austin support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Texas at Austin, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #65 nationally, The University of Texas at Austin combines competitive admissions with -23.3% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $60,896 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 88.9% six-year rates, with 96.7% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $19,857 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 415 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: The University of Texas at Austin's Market Position
A grade | #65 of 1942 | 96.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: The University of Texas at Austin occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -23.3% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $19,857 annually produces $60,896 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing The University of Texas at Austin should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: The University of Texas at Austin's #65 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 415 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 88.9% six-year graduation rate sits 26.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.7% first-year retention is 19.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -23.3% return on investment is 108.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,896 run about 39% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,857 is roughly $160 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.2% employment rate within three years sits 23.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 25.9% trails the national share by 8.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates The University of Texas at Austin—a public university in Austin, TX—at A overall. It is currently ranked #65 nationally Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 96.7% retention and 88.9% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -23.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,857 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,247.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,390 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,909 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $60,896 six years after entry. That sits about 39% above the national median.
Roughly 91.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -23.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
26.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the The University of Texas at Austin admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Austin, TX 78705
- Website www.utexas.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$5.74B