US University · Ranked #36
University of Texas at Austin: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Texas at Austin, located in Austin, Texas, is a selective university with an acceptance rate of about 29%. Ranked #36 nationally in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
UT Austin is a flagship state university in the vibrant city of Austin, known for strong engineering, business, and a dynamic campus with unmatched school spirit.
This guide breaks down University of Texas at Austin's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Texas at Austin admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 29%
- SAT range
- 1230–1480
- Average GPA
- 3.74
- In-state
- $11,448
- Out-of-state
- $41,070
- Enrollment
- 40,804
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Austin, Texas
How hard is it to get into University of Texas at Austin?
University of Texas at Austin's 29% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of Texas at Austin is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Texas at Austin typically score between 1230 and 1480 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1230 and a quarter above 1480. A score at or above 1480 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.74 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1355 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.74. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1230) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Texas at Austinapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Dec 1
University of Texas at Austin operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Dec 1, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Dec 1 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Dec 1.
Notable programs at University of Texas at Austin
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business (McCombs) — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Communication — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Law — a strong pre-professional and graduate strength for this institution.
University of Texas at Austin is particularly known for Computer Science, Engineering, Business (McCombs), Communication, and Law.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Texas at Austin
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Texas at Austin costs significantly less for Texas residents: in-state tuition is about $11,448 per year versus roughly $41,070 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,622 annually. If you are not a Texas resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Texas at Austin an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Texas at Austin: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Texas at Austin?
- University of Texas at Austin has an acceptance rate of 29%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of Texas at Austin is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Texas at Austin?
- Admitted students at University of Texas at Austin typically score between 1230 and 1480 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1480 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1230 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Texas at Austin?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Texas at Austin is approximately 3.74 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.74 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Texas at Austin?
- University of Texas at Austin's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Dec 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Texas at Austin a public or private university?
- University of Texas at Austin is a public university. In-state students from Texas pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Texas at Austin?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Texas at Austin costs significantly less for Texas residents: in-state tuition is about $11,448 per year versus roughly $41,070 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,622 annually. If you are not a Texas resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.