University of Texas at Austin

Overview

University of Texas at Austin is a public institution that was founded in 1883. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 41,309 (fall 2023), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 431 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Texas at Austin's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #32. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,698; out-of-state tuition and fees are $41,070.

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest schools in the nation. It’s divided into 13 schools and colleges, the biggest of which is the College of Liberal Arts. It also has highly ranked graduate programs, including the McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of Engineering and School of Nursing. Students can participate in more than 1,000 clubs and organizations or in the sizable UT Greek system. The university has several student media outlets, and its sports teams are notorious competitors in the Division I Big 12 Conference. UT also offers hundreds of study abroad programs, with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and China. Freshmen do not have to live on campus.

Admissions

Dec.1

Application Deadline

31%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

SAT Range*

29-34

ACT Range*

N/A

High School GPA*

* These are the average scores of applications admitted to this school. Ranges represent admitted applicants who fell within the 25th and 75th percentile.

University of Texas at Austin has an acceptance rate of 31%. Half the applicants admitted to University of Texas at Austin who submitted test scores have an ACT score between 29 and 34. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. The application deadline at University of Texas at Austin is Dec 1.

Admissions officials at University of Texas at Austin consider a student's GPA an academic factor. An applicant's high school class rank and letters of recommendation, when available, are considered by admissions officials at University of Texas at Austin.

Cost

$ 17,519

/ Annual cost

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $41,707
In-State Tuition & Fees: $11,698
Room & Board: $13,058(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package: $19,550

International Student’s Requirements

● Application deadline - Fall – December1

● No separate application required - $75

● No conditional admission offered

● Both early action and early decision not applicable

● Either TOEFL or IELTS required

● Either SAT or ACT not applicable

15 Places to Check out on Your UT-Austin

UT-Austin offers a lot to do without ever leaving campus. You can spend hours exploring the campus’ variety of museums, landmarks, shops, and restaurants.

A. On Campus

1. The UT Tower

The UT Tower, aka the Main Building, is hard to miss. The 307-foot-tall landmark can be seen from virtually anywhere on campus and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the university. At night, the tower is lit up to honor special occasions, such as a UT sports victory. One hidden gem within the tower is the Life Sciences Library. It’s the original library on campus, and it has a Harry Potter vibe. During “Tower Tours,” visitors can view the campus from the Observation Deck, located at the top of the Tower. You may even catch a glimpse of Tower Girl, the building’s resident peregrine falcon.

2. Harry Ransom Center

The Ransom Center is home to UT-Austin’s vast archive of manuscripts, rare books, art, film and more. The library houses famous pieces such as the Gutenberg Bible, Edgar Allen Poe’s desk, Albert Einstein’s unpublished notes, and original works by Frida Kahlo, to name a few. Visitors can look at these rare items in the Reading and Viewing Room. If you’re interested in getting up close to these rare and historical materials, view the guidelines here.

3. Littlefield Home

The Littlefield Home is a Victorian house located north of the UT Tower. This historic building was home to Civil War veteran George Littlefield and his wife Alice, who reportedly still haunts the building. The two made significant contributions to UT-Austin in its early years, providing funds for the Main Building, the Littlefield Fountain, and the Littlefield Dormitory.

4. Little Campus

The Little Campus was built in 1857 and is home to some of the oldest buildings on UT-Austin’s campus. The facility predates the university by nearly 30 years. Over time, this area has served as the Texas Asylum for the Blind, General George Armstrong Custer’s family residence, a barracks for World War I & II, the Texas Hospital for the Senile, and a men’s dormitory.

5. Blanton Museum of Art

If you like art, the Blanton Museum has it all. With a collection that ranges from ancient Greek pottery to digital comics, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. You can also grab coffee or a sandwich at the museum’s cafe.

6. The Drag

UT-Austin has its own shopping and arts district on the edge of campus. Here, you can take Instagram pics next to murals, grab coffee at Lucky Lab Coffee Co. or Caffe Medici, pick up Longhorn merch at the University Co-op, or get queso at the Kerbey Lane Cafe—open 24/7.

7. The Skyspace

UT-Austin is home to one of Texas’ three Skyspace exhibits by artist James Turrell. “The Color Inside” is open to the public. Visit during sunrise and sunset to see color fill the space for about an hour.

B. Off Campus

8. Scholz Garten

Scholz Garten is a 150-year-old German restaurant and bar. A mix of college students and congressmen frequent this location, creating a unique atmosphere.

9. Dirty Martins

Want to grab a burger near campus? Try Dirty Martin’s (also known as Dirty’s). This old-school burger joint has fed college students for nearly 100 years.

10. Broken Spoke

After a long day walking around campus, you’re probably ready to kick off your shoes and get a little Footloose. Luckily, Austin has its very own Honky Tonk bar where you can learn how to two-step or catch a country music legend in the making. Check the calendar to see if there are any interesting events happening while you’re in town.

11. Home Slice Pizza

Home Slice Pizza is one of the more student-friendly restaurants in Austin. It has a hipster vibe, and you can snag dinner for under $20. They have two locations and also offer delivery.

12. Ladybird Lake

While in Austin, you can choose from a wide range of parks, trails, and recreational activities. For those who love the outdoors, we recommend renting a paddle board or kayak at Ladybird Lake. You’ll fall in love with the breath-taking views of downtown Austin from the shoreside.

13. Zilker Park

This 351-acre park is most well-known as the location for Austin City Limits Music Festival that occurs every October. Barton Springs - within Zilker Park, you’ll find this pool fed by an underground spring that keeps the water cool year-round. The pool itself has a lot of history and is home to Barton Springs Salamander, an endangered species.

14. South Congress Bridge

Large groups of locals and tourists gather at South Congress Bridge from around 7:30 to 8:30 pm to watch thousands of bats take flight. From March to November, these Mexican free-tailed bats congregate under the bridge. They fly out at night and feed on moths, mosquitoes, crickets, and other small insects.

15. Mount Bonnel

For an even better view of the city, we recommend taking the short trek up Mt. Bonnell. The paved trail is 0.3 miles long and will bring you the highest point in Austin.

Top Places to Dine, Drink, & Discover Near UT Austin

The University of Texas at Austin and its surrounding neighborhoods have long been a draw to anyone visiting our capitol city. From the stunning original Spanish Revival architecture along West Campus to the lively shopping and dining destinations along The Drag, it’s always worth exploring the UT Austin campus even if your freshman days are behind you. We’ve set out to round up our top picks for can’t-miss locales and classics that make up the fabric of this youthful borough of an ever-changing Austin.

Trippy Buck

Coffee on the UT Austin campus practically rains down with the abundance of options, but one stands out for its superior espresso pull. Trippy Buck is a trailer located by the World’s Largest Longhorn just to the west of the Drag in the parking lot behind the University Co-Op, making it the best bet for a spot to grab an excellent cup before exploring the campus. The coffee itself is nothing short of exceptional. Sourcing their beans from one family in Ecuador, Trippy Buck’s espresso is consistently excellent. From traditional choices to their own macchiato latte, toss them a few bucks for the best brew by campus.

Dirty Martin’s Place

Dirty Martin's Place is considered by many to be an Austin tradition. Known in its early years as Martin’s Kum-Bak after owner John Martin, "Dirty’s," as it is affectionately known, has continued operation since its opening adjacent to campus in 1926. Anybody craving a burger can rely on Dirty Martin's Place, whose recipes have remained virtually unchanged for 95 years.

Dinner Acre 41

If dinner at UT Austin conjures up images of big steaks and bigger hats, then you’re in luck. While the food scene by campus offers a robust selection of Asian restaurants, Acre 41 is a return to the classic steakhouse — perfectly deserving for a town of well-educated longhorns. Named for the original 41 acres of campus, the interior is a thoroughly modern space with classic plates of Tomahawk ribeyes and filets with their signature steak served with lump crab, asparagus, black truffle béarnaise. The palate is rich and the flavors are beyond refined for a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Student Diversity