University of Texas at Austin: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 31% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1460 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 33 |
| Location | TX |
| School type | Public |
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most well-known public universities in the country, sitting in the heart of the Texas capital. It admits about 31% of applicants, which is more selective than many people expect from a flagship state school. Competition has grown significantly in recent years, especially for certain colleges within the university.
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A 31% overall acceptance rate makes UT Austin a genuinely selective school. That number also varies by college within UT, with programs like engineering and business being harder to get into than others. Texas residents have historically had some preference, but the applicant pool has grown large enough that strong grades and test scores matter for everyone.
If you are a Texas high school senior who graduated in the top 6% of your class, you have an automatic admission pathway to UT Austin. Everyone else competes through holistic review, where your full application is considered.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at the 75th percentile scored 1460 on the SAT and 33 on the ACT. Those are strong benchmarks, and they reflect the fact that UT draws a large, academically accomplished applicant pool. UT has offered test-optional review in some recent cycles, so check the current admissions policy if you are unsure whether to submit scores.
What University of Texas at Austin looks for
UT Austin uses a holistic application review that considers your academic record, test scores, essays, activities, and leadership. The personal essays are taken seriously here. The admissions office wants to understand your background, your goals, and what you would bring to campus. Strong performance in a rigorous high school curriculum carries weight, as does showing real commitment and achievement in a few areas rather than padding your resume.
Estimate your chances at University of Texas at Austin
Because UT Austin's admissions vary by program, it can be hard to know where you stand. The free CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com lets you enter your GPA, test scores, and activities to get a quick estimate of your personal chances. It is a useful starting point as you build your college list.
Frequently asked questions
What is University of Texas at Austin's acceptance rate?
UT Austin accepts about 31% of applicants overall, though rates vary by program and college within the university.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for University of Texas at Austin?
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1460, and the ACT 75th percentile is 33. Scores in that range make you competitive, though the bar is higher for selective programs like engineering.
Is University of Texas at Austin hard to get into?
Yes. Despite being a public university, UT Austin is selective, and competition has increased over the years. Strong grades, test scores, and essays are all important.
See your real odds at University of Texas at Austin
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.