Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Arlington, Texas
81.3% Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Arlington — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
81.3%Acceptance Rate
3.43Avg GPA
1116Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$25,265Annual Cost
$63,199Grad Salary
39.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
81.3%
Avg GPA
3.43
Avg SAT
1116
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
990–1230
ACT Middle 50%
18–26
Avg Net Price
$15,235
Need-Based Aid
39.6% receive Pell
The University of Texas at Arlington is a major public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional service. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus environment that encourages research, leadership, and professional development. Its focus on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a premier choice for students seeking a top-tier degree that prepares them for success.
The University of Texas at Arlington Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 81.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 81.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.43 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.23 – 3.42
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.98
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
The University of Texas at Arlington Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for The University of Texas at Arlington is August 1 for Regular applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 17 days left — Regular
Regular
August 1
Priority
December 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.
UT Arlington GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UT Arlington is 3.43. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.63-3.83 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.13 and 3.43, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
UT Arlington GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UT Arlington utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.43, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.43 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.23 – 3.42
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.03 – 3.22
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.02
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: 79.90% per IPEDS 2024-25 (19,675 of 24,623 applicants admitted); $75 application fee; ApplyTexas and Common App both accepted; test-optional for admission (median SAT 1,120, median ACT 23, average GPA 3.47); no essay or recommendation letters required for standard admission. Individual review for students below guaranteed admission threshold now includes a personal statement about challenges/extenuating circumstances. Scholarship priority deadline March 1 (school code 003656); Early Action deadline February 14.
- Texas HB 588 top-10% rule guarantees admission; students ranked 11th-25th are Bound for Success priority candidates. College of Nursing and Health Innovation produces the most registered nurses in Texas and ranks among the top 5 in the nation nationally. 15 National Academy of Inventors fellows - highest count of any Texas institution and 6th highest in the US.
- UTA is an R1 Carnegie research university and one of four Texas Tier One institutions. Ranked #1 in DFW for least graduate debt (US News 2025). $40M+ in scholarships and $500M+ in total financial aid annually. Honors College admission requires SAT 1200+ or top-10% class rank plus a separate application.
- New UTA West campus (51 acres, Walsh Ranch/Fort Worth, Parker County) expected to open fall 2028 and eventually enroll 10,000+ students - a significant geographic expansion that will change program access for west Fort Worth and Tarrant County students. Current main campus: Arlington (420 acres); 15 Division I sports in the Western Athletic Conference (Mavericks). US Dept. of Education 2025 recognition for student success and economic mobility.
- The Rigor Metric: At UT Arlington, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UT Arlington
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Texas at Arlington's verified institutional data
--%
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.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UT Arlington Without SAT or ACT?
The University of Texas at Arlington considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
The University of Texas at Arlington Average SAT Score: 1116
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Texas at Arlington is 1116 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1116 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1116 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Texas at Arlington allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 990, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UT Arlington. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 550 | 490 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 560 | 500 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1116 | 990 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 990 then you are below most of the admitted students at UT Arlington and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) are good but the admission staff at UT Arlington tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UT Arlington is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes The University of Texas at Arlington slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 26 |
Can I get into The University of Texas at Arlington with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The University of Texas at Arlington — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The University of Texas at Arlington use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The University of Texas at Arlington — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The University of Texas at Arlington uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UT Arlington
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UT Arlington is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Know Your Admissions Track Before You Apply - Guaranteed, Holistic, or Individual Review
UTA uses a tiered admissions system driven by Texas law and your own academic record. Students who graduated in the top 10% of their Texas high school class qualify for guaranteed (assured) admission under HB 588. Students ranked in the 11th through 25th percentile of their class are eligible for the Bound for Success program and are given priority consideration. Students who rank below these thresholds but are still academically eligible enter an individual review process (new as of Fall 2025) that evaluates your full high school academic record - GPA, rigor, advanced credits (dual enrollment, AP, IB, honors), and test scores if submitted. Critically, individual review also includes a personal statement, requested within the application, that asks you to articulate challenges or extenuating circumstances from your high school career and what you did to overcome them. This is not a freeform college essay - it is a specific, targeted prompt. Students who fall into the individual review track should treat this personal statement as the most important differentiating document in their application, not an afterthought.
Submit Test Scores Even Though They Are Optional - They Directly Affect Scholarship Access
UTA is test-optional for admission: applicants who choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores will have their applications evaluated on academic records alone. However, test scores remain important for scholarship eligibility. UTA awards more than $40 million in scholarships annually (and more than $500 million in total financial aid), and several merit-based awards factor in standardized test performance. The scholarship priority deadline is March 1, and UTA's school code for FAFSA/TASFA is 003656. Students with scores at or above the median (SAT 1,120; ACT 23) should strongly consider submitting them. Honors College admission - which provides a small, liberal arts college experience within UTA's large research university environment - requires either a combined SAT of 1200+ or top 10% class rank as a minimum for eligibility. Students interested in the Honors College must apply separately and by an earlier timeline than standard admissions.
UTA's Nursing Program Produces More Registered Nurses Than Any Other Texas University
UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation produces the most registered nurses in Texas and is among the top five largest producers of registered nurses in the entire United States. It also holds 15 professors as fellows in the National Academy of Inventors, the highest number of any institution in Texas and sixth highest in the nation. For students applying with nursing, health, engineering, or architecture interests, UTA is not a fallback choice - it is a nationally recognized program leader in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the 4th-largest metro in the US. UTA is also an R1 (very high research activity) Carnegie research university and one of only four Texas institutions to achieve Texas Tier One designation, placing it alongside UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech in terms of research university status. The $100+ million in annual research expenditure and 180+ programs create undergraduate research opportunities well beyond what the 80% acceptance rate suggests.
Watch the March 1 Scholarship Deadline and the New UTA West Campus Development
Merit-based scholarship consideration requires submitting your application and supporting documents by March 1 - after that date, scholarship pools narrow significantly. Early action (non-binding) has a February 14 deadline. FAFSA and TASFA (for Texas students who don't qualify for FAFSA) should be submitted using UTA's school code 003656, with March 1 as the priority date. On the facility side, UTA announced in August 2024 a planned expansion to a 51-acre property in west Fort Worth (Walsh Ranch development, Parker County) - the UTA West campus is expected to welcome students in fall 2028 and eventually serve more than 10,000 students. Students considering UTA who live in west Fort Worth or Tarrant County's western communities should confirm whether their intended program will be offered at the new campus or remain at the Arlington main campus, as the campus geography will expand significantly in the next three to four years.
Expert Insight:
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA, UNITID 228769) is part of the University of Texas System but is not affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin, UNITID 228778). These are completely separate institutions. UTA's school code for test score submission is 6013 (SAT) and 4236 (ACT). UTA was historically a Texas A&M System institution until joining the UT System in 1965. Acceptance rate figures range from 57% (GyanDhan, likely outdated) to 80-83% across sources, with IPEDS 2024-25 confirming 79.90% (19,675 of 24,623 applicants admitted) as the authoritative current figure. GyanDhan's 57% figure appears to reflect a different year's data or a data error. Use the IPEDS 2024-25 figure for planning. Confirm UNITID 228769 and uta.edu before referencing any admissions or scholarship data.
UT Arlington Profile
Full Name
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington)
City
Arlington
State
Texas
ZIP Code
76013
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UT Arlington Degree Worth It?
Getting into UT Arlington can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UT Arlington offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UT Arlington is $66,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.28%.
How much does a degree from UT Arlington Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Texas at Arlington is $25,265. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The University of Texas at Arlington is $15,235.
39.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UT Arlington and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Texas at Arlington, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UT Arlington as your choice in the form.
How much does a UT Arlington Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,199. An average UT Arlington graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Texas at Arlington. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Texas at Arlington. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Texas at Arlington. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at UT Arlington
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UT Arlington Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,199 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25,265 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
39.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of The University of Texas at Arlington is 81.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.43. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.13, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.13, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.03 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.43, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to The University of Texas at Arlington is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1116 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 990–1230.
The application deadline for The University of Texas at Arlington is August 1 for Regular applicants.
The application fee for The University of Texas at Arlington is 75. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.