The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), founded in 1883, is the flagship institution of the UT System and a Public Ivy with 52,000+ students across 18 colleges. As a top-10 public university, UT excels in petroleum engineering (#1 globally), computer science (home to Turing Award winners), and film (notable alumni include Matthew McConaughey). Its 431-acre urban campus blends Beaux-Arts architecture like the Tower with cutting-edge facilities like the Dell Medical School and the $120 million Engineering Education and Research Center.
UT's research prowess ($1.1 billion annual expenditures) spans from the Texas Advanced Computing Center to the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Longhorn traditions?from the 130,000-seat Darrell K Royal Stadium to 'Hook 'em Horns' hand signs?fuel school spirit. The university's Austin location provides Fortune 500 internships (Apple, Tesla) and a vibrant music scene. Recent initiatives include the $1.6 billion 'What Starts Here' campaign focusing on affordability, with Texas Advance Commitment covering full tuition for families earning under $65k. UT's 530,000+ alumni network includes 13 Nobel laureates and 39 Pulitzer winners.
The University of Texas at Austin Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 29.12% indicates that only 29 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, UT Austin considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
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 Austin Admission Requirements
UT Austin GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UT Austin is 3.8. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.5 and 3.8, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
UT Austin GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at UT Austin utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.8, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.80 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.60 – 3.79 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.40 – 3.59 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.39 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UT Austin, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
The University of Texas at Austin Average SAT Score: 1380
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Texas at Austin is 1380 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1380 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1490 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Texas at Austin allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1230, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UT Austin. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 685 | 610 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 675 | 620 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1380 | 1230 | 1490 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1230 then you are below most of the admitted students at UT Austin and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1490 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 1400
Can I get into The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) are good but the admission staff at UT Austin 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 Austin (UT Austin) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UT Austin is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The University of Texas at Austin very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT English | 31 | 26 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 33 |
Can I get into The University of Texas at Austin with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Texas at Austin are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30.UT Austin Profile
Name: The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from UT Austin Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Texas at Austin is USD: 29842. 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 Austin is USD: 19678
How can I get a scholarship?
25.11% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27.06 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UT Austin and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Texas at Austin, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UT Austin as your choice in the form.
How much a UT Austin Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 75121. An average UT Austin 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Texas at Austin. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Texas at Austin. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Bard College, NY | 1387 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Texas at Austin. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Archeology
- Architectural Engineering
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Texas at Austin Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $75121 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29842 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The University of Texas at Austin is 29.12 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.8. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 3.5, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.5, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.5 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.4 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to The University of Texas at Austin if my GPA is below 3.4
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.8, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to The University of Texas at Austin is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1380 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1230-1490
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The University of Texas at Austin.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.