Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Austin, Texas
29.1% Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Austin — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
29.1%Acceptance Rate
3.8Avg GPA
1380Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$29,842Annual Cost
$75,121Grad Salary
25.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
29.1%
Avg GPA
3.8
Avg SAT
1380
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1230–1490
ACT Middle 50%
27–33
Avg Net Price
$19,678
Need-Based Aid
25.1% receive Pell
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 is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of The University of Texas at Austin is 29.1%. This means 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 29.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.80 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.60 – 3.79
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.35
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.
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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.00-4.20 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.50 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at UT Austin
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Texas at Austin'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.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) 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 Austin Without SAT or ACT?
The University of Texas at Austin 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 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
SAT 1380 — Competitive
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UT Austin. 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 | 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
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
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?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The University of Texas at Austin — 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 Austin 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 Austin — 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 Austin 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 33 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 Austin
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At UT Austin, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
UT Austin Profile
Full Name
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
City
Austin
State
Texas
ZIP Code
78705
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UT Austin Degree Worth It?
Getting into UT Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin is $72,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.26%.
How much does a degree from UT Austin Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Texas at Austin is $29,842. 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 $19,678.
25.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27.1 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 does a UT Austin Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $75,121. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Danville, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
| Bard College | Annandale-On-Hudson, 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, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
Degree Programs at UT Austin
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The University of Texas at Austin →
Frequently Asked Questions About UT Austin Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $75,121 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,842 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
25.1% 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 Austin is 29.1% 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 3.8. 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 3.5, you are 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.
If your GPA is 3.4 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 3.8, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
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.
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.