The University Of Texas At Austin

UT Austin admits approximately 29.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places The University of Texas at Austin in the selective category, significantly more competitive than typical four-year institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights the substantial difference between UT Austin's selectivity and most public research universities. Even among flagship state institutions, UT Austin's acceptance rate falls toward the more competitive end of the spectrum.

This level of selectivity means that many qualified students—including those with strong academic credentials—face uncertainty in the admission process. The high volume of applications to prestigious public universities like UT Austin creates intense competition even among academically prepared candidates.

Students considering UT Austin should approach their application strategically, understanding that admission depends on multiple factors beyond test scores and grades. For this reason, prospective applicants should build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.

The sections below provide guidance on academic competitiveness and alternative institutions that deliver similar post-graduation results with more accessible admission processes.

UT Austin's published cost of attendance is $29,842 per year for in-state students, including $11,678 in tuition, $14,136 for room and board, and $724 for books and supplies. Out-of-state tuition reaches $42,778, significantly increasing total costs for non-residents.

However, the average student pays just $19,678 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,164 from the sticker price. This net price falls $4,088 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating that UT Austin provides relatively affordable access compared to similar institutions.

Net costs vary substantially by family income, ranging from $12,972 for families earning under $30,000 to $28,972 for those earning above $110,000. The $16,000 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates UT Austin's progressive aid structure that concentrates financial support toward lower-income families.

As a public institution, The University of Texas at Austin benefits from state funding that helps control costs while delivering premium educational outcomes and career preparation across diverse academic fields.

UT Austin graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with outcomes supported by large cohort sizes that provide high statistical confidence. Median earnings rise from $60,896 six years after enrollment to $68,554 at eight years and $75,121 at ten years, representing 23.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 6,743 graduates at six years, 8,215 at eight years, and 8,918 at ten years, ensuring reliable data across diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $5,719 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UT Austin at the 75.9th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $74,100, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating exceptional economic mobility outcomes. Earnings span from $50,527 at the 25th percentile to $116,556 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity from liberal arts to high-earning STEM fields.

Approximately 24.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry across The University of Texas at Austin's comprehensive program portfolio.

UT Austin offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #12 nationally and #2 in Texas, producing 445 graduates with median earnings of $112,017 and a program value score of 94.5.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #8 nationally and #2 in Texas, graduating 358 students with median earnings of $106,557. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Texas, with 411 graduates earning $95,994 annually.

Advertising ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Texas, graduating 567 students with median earnings of $65,345 and achieving the highest program value score of 98.6. Applied Economics ranks #34 nationally and #1 in Texas, graduating 450 students with median earnings of $81,620.

Biology remains The University of Texas at Austin's largest program by enrollment, graduating 628 students annually and ranking #54 nationally with median earnings of $54,042, reflecting strong student demand in life sciences preparation.