University of Texas at Austin | Austin

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. Located in Austin, Texas, it is renowned for its size, academic excellence, research output, and cultural influence.

Founding and Overview

Established: 1883

Motto: Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis (Latin for "Education is the Guardian of the State")

Campus Size: Over 430 acres in central Austin, just north of downtown

Enrollment: Over 52,000 students (undergraduate and graduate combined)

Faculty: Around 3,000 faculty members

Endowment: Among the largest of public universities in the U.S., over $40 billion shared across the UT System (with UT Austin as a primary beneficiary)

Academics

UT Austin is classified as a "R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity" and ranks consistently among the top public universities in the nation. It offers over 170 fields of study and awards degrees in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and more.

Colleges and Schools (Notable Examples)

College of Liberal Arts – One of the largest colleges with strengths in social sciences and humanities.

Cockrell School of Engineering – Consistently ranked among the top 10 public engineering schools in the U.S.

McCombs School of Business – Known for its strong undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs.

College of Natural Sciences – Excels in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

School of Law – One of the most respected law schools in the country.

College of Fine Arts – Includes the Butler School of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance.

Moody College of Communication – Recognized for media studies, journalism, and advertising.

Dell Medical School – Opened in 2016, focusing on healthcare innovation and community health.

Research and Innovation

UT Austin is a Tier 1 research university, with over $800 million in annual research expenditures.

Home to more than 100 research centers and institutes, including:

Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)

Bureau of Economic Geology

IC² Institute

Strong partnerships with government, industry, and startups-especially in technology, energy, and biomedical sectors.

Affiliated with Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, National Medal of Science recipients, and members of national academies.

Campus and Facilities

The Tower (Main Building): A 307-foot tall landmark and symbol of the university.

Blanton Museum of Art and Harry Ransom Center (home to a Gutenberg Bible and the first photograph ever taken).

LBJ Presidential Library, dedicated to President Lyndon B. Johnson.

State-of-the-art facilities across sciences, arts, and engineering disciplines.

Extensive athletic complexes and wellness facilities.

Student Life

Student Organizations: Over 1,300 active student groups ranging from academic societies to cultural clubs and political organizations.

Greek Life: About 15% of undergraduates participate in fraternities and sororities.

On-Campus Housing: Residence halls accommodate thousands of students, with numerous living-learning communities.

Diversity and Inclusion: UT Austin is committed to supporting underrepresented students through cultural centers, scholarships, and outreach programs.

Athletics

Home to the Texas Longhorns, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as of 2024.

Offers 20 varsity sports programs.

The Longhorns have won more than 55 national championships across various sports.

Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium seats over 100,000 fans and is one of the largest stadiums in the country.

Notable Alumni

Michael Dell – Founder of Dell Technologies

Matthew McConaughey – Academy Award-winning actor and professor of practice

Rex Tillerson – Former U.S. Secretary of State and ExxonMobil CEO

Robert Rodriguez – Filmmaker

Neil deGrasse Tyson – Astrophysicist (brief postdoc affiliation)

Numerous U.S. governors, members of Congress, astronauts, and CEOs

Community and City Connection

UT Austin is deeply integrated with the city of Austin, a major hub for music, tech, film, and entrepreneurship. The university fuels Austin’s cultural and economic vitality, and its location gives students unique opportunities in internships, entertainment, and social engagement.

Admission and Tuition

Admission Rate: Competitive (~29% overall acceptance rate)

Automatic Admission: Top 6% of Texas high school graduates are automatically admitted to the university (under state law).

Tuition:

In-state undergraduates: Approx. $11,000/year

Out-of-state: Approx. $40,000/year

Generous financial aid programs like Texas Advance Commitment support eligible families.

The University of Texas at Austin stands as a leading institution known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, influential alumni, and impact-driven research, embodying the motto: "What starts here changes the world."