The University of Texas at Dallas admits 65.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places UTD in the Moderately Selective category, making it substantially more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining meaningful academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates UTD is somewhat more selective than typical four-year institutions, with acceptance rates 12.6 percentage points below peer averages. This selectivity level allows qualified students reasonable admission prospects while ensuring academic preparedness among enrolled students. UTD's admission rate positions it as accessible to well-prepared students without requiring the exceptional credentials demanded by highly selective institutions. For students building college lists, UTD represents a solid target school rather than a reach, particularly for those with strong academic preparation in STEM fields. The 65.5% acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations while maintaining quality standards, making it an attractive option for students seeking strong outcomes without extreme admission competition. Prospective applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and alignment with UTD's technology and engineering focus rather than pursuing perfect credentials.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UTD typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 1170 to 1410 and a median of 1300. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students with scores outside these bounds are admitted in smaller numbers. Math scores typically range from 590 to 720, while verbal scores span 580 to 690, reflecting the university's STEM orientation with slightly stronger math performance expectations. ACT scores for admitted students typically range from 25 to 32, providing alternative pathways for students who perform better on ACT assessments. UTD's test score profile ranks at the 97th percentile nationally, indicating exceptional academic preparation among admitted students despite the moderately selective admission rate. The peer median SAT score of 1198 shows UTD attracts students with significantly stronger academic preparation, outpacing similar institutions by 102 points. This combination of accessible admission rates with high academic standards creates an environment where well-prepared students can gain admission while studying alongside academically accomplished peers. Students scoring within the 1170-1410 SAT range or 25-32 ACT range should consider themselves academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should strengthen other application components and consider UTD as more of a reach option.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UTD enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic achievement and economic accessibility. The university serves 29.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families, while 31.4% are first-generation college students. Transfer students comprise 31.2% of the student body, reflecting UTD's commitment to providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests UTD successfully balances academic selectivity with socioeconomic diversity, creating an environment where students from various backgrounds can access high-quality education in technology and engineering fields. The substantial transfer population indicates multiple entry points beyond traditional freshman admission, particularly valuable for students who begin their college careers at community colleges. The significant first-generation representation demonstrates UTD's role in expanding educational opportunity for families new to higher education. Students from lower-income families should note the substantial 29.7% Pell share, indicating the university successfully enrolls and supports students with financial need. First-generation students can find community among the 31.4% of peers who share their background. Transfer applicants should consider the robust 31.2% transfer enrollment as an indicator of institutional support for students entering from other institutions.
With a 65.5% acceptance rate, UTD is moderately selective but accessible to well-prepared students. However, the exceptional SAT requirements (97th percentile) mean academic preparation matters significantly.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
UTD demonstrates strong institutional effectiveness in supporting student success once enrolled. 88.1% of freshmen return for sophomore year, comparing favorably to the peer median retention rate of 83.7%, indicating effective first-year support and student satisfaction. The six-year graduation rate reaches 70.8%, exceeding the peer median completion rate of 65.9% by nearly 5 percentage points. Pell-eligible students graduate at 68.2%, creating only a 2.6 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This relatively small Pell gap suggests UTD provides effective support systems for lower-income students, helping them navigate financial and academic challenges that can impede degree completion. The retention and completion rates indicate that students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for academic success and degree completion. The modest Pell completion gap demonstrates UTD's commitment to serving diverse student populations effectively, rather than simply enrolling them. Students who gain admission should expect an environment that actively supports degree completion across different backgrounds and preparation levels. Lower-income students can take confidence in the small gap between Pell and overall completion rates, suggesting effective financial aid and academic support systems. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of the supportive academic environment they'll experience if admitted.
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