
The University of Texas at Austin
The Forty Acres offers a vibrant living and learning environment with diverse housing and dining options.
Acceptance rate
26.6%
SAT (mid 50%)
1250–1510
Avg net price
$19,857
after aid
Next deadline
Oct 15
EA
Testing
Required
2026 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the The University of Texas at Austin admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
The University of Texas at Austin admitted 26.6% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1250–1510 on the SAT and 27–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what The University of Texas at Austin actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Learning With Purpose, Big Impact
From classrooms to studios and labs, what starts here doesn’t just set a high standard, it raises it, empowering generations to achieve more and lead with purpose.
The academic experience encourages hands-on research and problem-solving to address real-world challenges, preparing students to lead with purpose.
- Diverse Fields170 areas of study
- Advanced Degrees83 doctoral, 125 master's programs
- Leading DiscoveriesAI, Energy, Health, Materials Science, National Security, Quantum & Future Compu
Verified from utexas.edu and gradschool.utexas.edu and dellmedschool.utexas.edu and admissions.utexas.edu and utexas.edu and news.utexas.edu and utexas.edu.
Applying
Here’s what to send, and when.
- Next deadlineOctober 15, 2026 (EA)
- Regular decisionDecember 1, 2026
- TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
- Recommendations0 letters
- Personal essayNot required
- ApplicationCommon App
Verified from https://www.utexas.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.
Up to 650 words
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
Up to 300 words
Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why?
Up to 300 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://www.utexas.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $31,247. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $19,857.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $75,121.
Verified from https://www.utexas.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Biology, General6% of degrees
- Psychology, General5% of degrees
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication5% of degrees
- Computer and Information Sciences, General5% of degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services4% of degrees
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering3% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Dive into hands-on research, collaborate on a project at the Oden Institute, then grab a meal with friends at J2, a Tuesday here.”
Stroll through campus on a walking tour, past historic buildings, and grab a meal at J2 or Kins Dining.
Quick answers
What do people ask about The University of Texas at Austin?
- Is The University of Texas at Austin test-optional?
- No. For the 2026 application cycle, The University of Texas at Austin requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.
- How hard is it to get into The University of Texas at Austin?
- Very hard. The University of Texas at Austin admits 26.6% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1250 to 1510 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- When is the The University of Texas at Austin application deadline?
- The next deadline is October 15, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes December 1, 2026.
- How much does The University of Texas at Austin cost?
- The list price is about $31,247. After aid, families pay $19,857 on average.
- Is The University of Texas at Austin worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $75,121 ten years after enrolling. 88% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about The University of Texas at Austin.
Spike answers from The University of Texas at Austin’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.