Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Richardson, Texas
65.5% Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Dallas — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
65.5%Acceptance Rate
3.78Avg GPA
1300Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$28,210Annual Cost
$68,227Grad Salary
29.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
65.5%
Avg GPA
3.78
Avg SAT
1300
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1170–1410
ACT Middle 50%
25–32
Avg Net Price
$17,435
Need-Based Aid
29.7% receive Pell
The University of Texas at Dallas is a prestigious public research university known for its excellence in science, engineering, business, and the arts. As a powerhouse of innovation and research, the university offers a challenging academic environment that prepares students for leadership in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge facilities, and professional development makes it an elite choice for students aiming for successful careers in high-impact fields.
The University of Texas at Dallas Acceptance Rate
The University of Texas at Dallas is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of The University of Texas at Dallas is 65.5%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 65.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.78 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.58 – 3.77
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.33
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 Dallas GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UT Dallas is 3.78. UT Dallas is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.98-4.18 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.48 and 3.78, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UT Dallas 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 Dallas utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.78, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.78 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.58 – 3.77
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.38 – 3.57
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.37
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate: approximately 65% per IPEDS 2024-25 (BigFuture: 65.46%); $50 application fee; ApplyTexas and Common App both accepted; test-optional for admission (SAT 1,170-1,390 middle 50%, ACT 24-32 middle 50%); application essay response required; up to 3 letters of recommendation permitted; Texas top-10% + Distinguished Level of Achievement = guaranteed admission (HB 588). Regular deadline: June 1.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) automatic for all freshmen based on academic profile - ranges from $3,000/year to full tuition + $3,000/semester cash stipend; McDermott Scholars Program provides 11 semesters of full financial support for ~18 scholars annually - separate competitive application with own deadline and on-campus interview required. Apply for McDermott at the same time as general UTD application.
- Founded 1961 by Texas Instruments co-founders Cecil Green, J. Erik Jonsson, and Eugene McDermott; campus adjacent to Dallas's Telecom Corridor; R1 Carnegie research university; 4 Nobel Prize associations; 100M+ annual research expenditure; first US ABET-accredited BS in Telecommunications Engineering (2002); Naveen Jindal School of Management (AACSB, 10,000+ students) largest school at UTD; new 125,000 sq ft Jindal building completed summer 2026.
- Nationally ranked chess team (top 4 collegiate); 4 human-scale chess boards on main campus All?e; esports program (premier gaming center planned for 2025 opening); Division II athletics transitioning (from Division III; announced Lone Star Conference move July 2023); Edith and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Athenaeum on campus = largest major art museum north of I-635 in Dallas ($58M). SAT code 1347, ACT code 4243.
- The Rigor Metric: At UT Dallas, 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 Dallas
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Texas at Dallas'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 Dallas (UT Dallas) 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 Dallas Without SAT or ACT?
The University of Texas at Dallas 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 Dallas Average SAT Score: 1300
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The University of Texas at Dallas is 1300 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1300 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1300 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1410 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The University of Texas at Dallas allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1170, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UT Dallas. 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 | 655 | 590 | 720 |
| SAT Reading | 635 | 580 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1300 | 1170 | 1410 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1170 then you are below most of the admitted students at UT Dallas and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1410 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 1300
Can I get into The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) are good but the admission staff at UT Dallas 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 Dallas (UT Dallas) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UT Dallas is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This score makes The University of Texas at Dallas Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 24 | 34 |
| ACT English | 28 | 24 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 25 | 32 |
Can I get into The University of Texas at Dallas with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The University of Texas at Dallas — 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 Dallas 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 Dallas — 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 Dallas 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 32 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 Dallas
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UT Dallas is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
An Application Essay Is Required - Treat It as the Primary Differentiating Document
UTD's freshman application requires an application essay response as a listed component alongside the transcript - it is not optional. Letters of recommendation (up to three) are also permitted, though not required for standard admission. Given UTD's acceptance rate of approximately 65% (IPEDS 2024-25; BigFuture reports 65.46%), which is meaningfully more selective than neighboring UT System schools like UTA (80%) or UTSA (87%), the essay carries genuine weight in distinguishing similar academic profiles. UTD's holistic process explicitly evaluates extracurricular activities, community service, and personal essays alongside GPA and course rigor. UTD does not require SAT or ACT for admission, but test scores are encouraged for scholarship consideration - the Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) is automatic for all freshmen based on academic profile, ranging from $3,000 per year up to full tuition coverage plus a $3,000 per semester cash stipend for the strongest applicants. Apply by the June 1 regular deadline through ApplyTexas or Common App; the application fee is $50.
The McDermott Scholars Program Is UTD's Most Selective Opportunity - Apply for It Separately and Early
The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program is UTD's flagship merit award, providing full financial support across all 11 semesters of a UTD undergraduate degree, plus a comprehensive mentored cohort experience focused on learning, leading, and serving. The 2025 class enrolled 18 scholars - an indication of just how competitive this program is relative to UTD's approximately 5,000-6,000 annual freshman admits. McDermott Scholars are drawn from all majors and all states; past classes have included National Merit Scholars, AP Scholars with Distinction, Eagle Scouts, varsity athletes, nonprofit founders, and robotics team leaders. The McDermott program requires a separate competitive application with its own deadline (earlier than the general admissions deadline) and includes an on-campus interview component. Scholars complete a summer of service in the Dallas area and engage in an ongoing mentored community throughout their undergraduate years. If you are a high-achieving student who would be a competitive McDermott applicant - strong academics, demonstrated leadership, genuine service engagement - submit the McDermott application concurrently with your general UTD application, not as an afterthought.
UTD Was Founded by Texas Instruments' Founders - and the Telecom Corridor Location Still Matters for Your Career
UTD was established in 1961 as a private research arm of Texas Instruments by TI co-founders Cecil Green, J. Erik Jonsson, and Eugene McDermott - an origin that shaped its institutional DNA around research, STEM, and industry collaboration in ways that persist today. The campus sits adjacent to Dallas's Telecom Corridor, a dense concentration of major technology and telecommunications companies in Richardson and Plano that provides direct internship and employment access for UTD students in computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, and telecommunications engineering. UTD was the first university in the US to offer an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering (2002). The university is associated with four Nobel Prizes through its faculty and holds over $100 million in annual research expenditure. The Naveen Jindal School of Management (10,000+ students, AACSB-accredited, UTD's largest school) completed a new 125,000 sq ft undergraduate and executive education building in summer 2026. For students applying to business, engineering, or computer science tracks, this is a campus where the research infrastructure and corporate proximity are genuinely, not just rhetorically, connected.
The Chess Team and Esports Program Signal a Different Kind of Competitive Campus Culture
UTD does not have major football, basketball, or Greek life traditions that dominate the student experience at many comparable-sized public universities. What it does have is a nationally ranked chess team (consistently top 4 collegiate), four human-scale chess boards built into the main campus All?e, and one of the most recognized collegiate esports programs in the country - with plans announced for a premier collegiate gaming center opening in 2025. Athletics are Division II (transitioning from Division III as of the July 2023 announcement to join the Lone Star Conference), with 14 intercollegiate teams including baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, cross country, golf, and esports. The campus culture skews toward academic and intellectual competition, research, and technology - not the traditional residential social architecture of big-state-school experience. The Edith and Peter O'Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, a 58 million dollar facility completed on campus, is now the largest major art museum north of I-635 in Dallas and reflects the institutional breadth beyond STEM that UTD's philanthropic leadership has invested in. Students for whom this campus personality resonates should reference it specifically in their application essay.
Expert Insight:
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD, UNITID 228787) is part of the UT System but is not affiliated with UT Austin (UNITID 228778), UT Arlington (UNITID 228769), or UT San Antonio (UNITID 229027). UTD's acceptance rate is the source of significant confusion across data sources: CollegeVine reports 87%, BigFuture (IPEDS-sourced) reports 65.46%, CollegeFactual cites 79% (from a prior year), and some aggregators cite 65-67%. The most authoritative current figure is approximately 65% from IPEDS 2024-25 data, making UTD meaningfully more selective than peer UT System institutions. GyanDhan's figure of 57% may reflect graduate-only data or a data error. Use 65% as your planning baseline. The $50 application fee applies to both ApplyTexas and Common App submissions. Confirm UNITID 228787 and utdallas.edu before referencing any admissions or financial aid data.
UT Dallas Profile
Full Name
The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
City
Richardson
State
Texas
ZIP Code
75080-3021
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UT Dallas Degree Worth It?
Getting into UT Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas is $79,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.86%.
How much does a degree from UT Dallas Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The University of Texas at Dallas is $28,210. 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 Dallas is $17,435.
29.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UT Dallas and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The University of Texas at Dallas, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UT Dallas as your choice in the form.
How much does a UT Dallas Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $68,227. An average UT Dallas 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 Dallas. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Texas at Dallas. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Texas at Dallas. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
Degree Programs at UT Dallas
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The University of Texas at Dallas →
Frequently Asked Questions About UT Dallas Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68,227 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $28,210 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
29.7% 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 Dallas is 65.5% 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 3.78. 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 3.48, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.48, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.38 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 3.78, 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 Dallas is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1300 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1170–1410.
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.