Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Austin, Texas
Huston-Tillotson University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
2.92Avg GPA
920Avg SAT
$25,336Annual Cost
$42,937Grad Salary
62.4%Pell Grant
Avg GPA
2.92
Avg SAT
920
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
880–950
Need-Based Aid
62.4% receive Pell
Huston-Tillotson University Huston-Tillotson University, founded in 1875 in Austin, Texas, is a private historically black university affiliated with the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ. The 24-acre campus offers undergraduate programs in business, education, and STEM fields with a focus on serving African-American students. HT maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly known for its criminal justice and kinesiology programs. Campus features include the new Dickey-Lawless Science Building and the historic Anthony and Louise Viaer Alumni Hall.
HT takes pride in its legacy of educating African-American leaders and its commitment to community engagement. Campus life includes NAIA athletics and student organizations focused on social justice. The university has expanded its STEM offerings while maintaining strong programs in traditional disciplines. Recent initiatives include partnerships with Austin tech companies. HT's combination of academic programs, HBCU heritage, and urban location makes it an important educational institution in central Texas.
Huston-Tillotson University Acceptance Rate
Huston-Tillotson University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 100% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.92 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.72 – 2.91
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.47
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Huston-Tillotson University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Huston-Tillotson University is December 1 for Priority applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 116 days left — Priority
Priority
December 1
Regular Decision
July 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Huston-Tillotson University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Huston-Tillotson University is 2.92. That makes admissions here moderately selective. Most admitted students carry a blend of A's, B's, and the occasional C.
A stronger SAT or ACT score can comfortably offset a GPA on the lower end of this range.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.12–3.32.Huston-Tillotson University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.92 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.72 – 2.91
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.52 – 2.71
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.51
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Only HBCU in Austin, Texas; formed 1952 from the merger of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College.
- Distinguished admission track: 3.5 GPA + 22 ACT/1080 SAT, reviewed for honors and scholarships.
- W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program offers specialized courses, retreats, and scholarships.
- Three deadlines: Feb 1 (fall priority), May 1 (fall regular), Dec 1 (spring regular).
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Huston-Tillotson University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Huston-Tillotson University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Huston-Tillotson University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Huston-Tillotson University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Huston-Tillotson University Without SAT or ACT?
Huston-Tillotson University's test-score policy isn't published. As a default, submit your score only if it's at or above the state/national average — a below-average score can work against you.
Huston-Tillotson University Average SAT Score: 920
The average SAT score of admitted students at Huston-Tillotson University is 920 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 920 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (950 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Huston-Tillotson University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Huston-Tillotson University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 920 | 880 | 950 |
Below 880, you're behind most admitted students; at 950 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 900
Can I get into Huston-Tillotson University with a 950 SAT?
A 950 SAT puts you ahead of most of Huston-Tillotson University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Huston-Tillotson University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Huston-Tillotson University's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Aim for "distinguished admission" if your numbers support it
A 3.5 GPA and 22 ACT (or 1080 SAT) qualifies you for distinguished admission, which routes you to the University Scholarship Subcommittee and potential recommendation to the Honors Committee. If you're close to these numbers, push to clear them before applying, since it opens a genuinely different review track.
Target the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program by name
This honors track offers specialized courses, retreats, scholarships, and seminars for academically strong students. Mention specific interest in it directly in your application materials rather than assuming distinguished admission alone gets you there automatically.
Hit February 1 for priority fall consideration
HTU has three deadlines: Feb 1 (fall priority), May 1 (regular fall), and Dec 1 (regular spring). Priority admission by Feb 1 likely means earlier scholarship and housing decisions, so don't default to the May 1 regular deadline if you're ready sooner.
Reference the dual church affiliation and HBCU legacy specifically
HTU formed from the 1952 merger of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College, and is affiliated with both the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. If community, faith, or HBCU legacy matters to your story, name this specific history rather than generic "diverse campus" language.
Expert Insight:
Acceptance rate figures for HTU vary widely across sources (52-68%), which can make the school look either more or less competitive than it currently is. Confirm the actual current-cycle rate directly with HTU admissions rather than relying on one aggregator.
Huston-Tillotson University Profile
Full Name
Huston-Tillotson University
City
Austin
State
Texas
ZIP Code
78702-2795
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Huston-Tillotson University Degree Worth It?
At $25,336/year against a $42,937 median graduate salary, Huston-Tillotson University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $57,100, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.04%.
How much does a degree from Huston-Tillotson University Cost?
The sticker price is $25,336/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
62.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 72.8% take federal loans at Huston-Tillotson University. File your FAFSA early and list Huston-Tillotson University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Huston-Tillotson University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $42,937. That's about 6% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Huston-Tillotson University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | 910 | 17 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 910 | 16 |
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 910 | NA |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS | 910 | 16 |
| Bennett College | Greensboro, NC | 890 | NA |
| Ohio Christian University | Circleville, OH | 910 | 16 |
| Benedict College | Columbia, SC | 910 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Huston-Tillotson University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | 910 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Huston-Tillotson University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
Degree Programs at Huston-Tillotson University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Huston-Tillotson University Admissions
Median earnings for Huston-Tillotson University graduates sit around $42,937 a year.
At about $25,336 a year, Huston-Tillotson University is on the more affordable end.
With 62.4% of Huston-Tillotson University students on a Pell Grant, need-based aid odds here are strong. An early FAFSA filing naming Huston-Tillotson University is the key move.
Admitted students at Huston-Tillotson University average a 2.92 GPA.
Huston-Tillotson University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.62 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.52, Huston-Tillotson University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Huston-Tillotson University — aim above 920, ideally within the 880–950 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Huston-Tillotson University is December 1 for Priority applicants.
The application fee is 25. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.