College Spotlight – University of Texas-Austin

University of Texas-Austin, founded in 1883, is a public institution located a quarter mile away from downtown Austin on a 434-acre campus. Ranked among the best colleges in the U.S., it is also one of the largest schools in the country. The energetic city of Austin is known for its food scene, its lively music, and its outdoor activities. The university is divided into 18 schools and colleges, with the college of Liberal Arts being the largest among them. UT’s graduate programs are also highly ranked and well regarded. These include the School of Architecture, McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of engineering, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Education, School of Social work, and the College of Fine Arts.

Location

• University of Texas- Austin is located near downtown Austin, Texas

Stats

• Public, Coed
• Urban setting
• No religious affiliation
• Semester-based academic calendar
• Total enrollment: 50,950
• Endowment of $3,341,835,840
• 18:1 student–faculty ratio
• The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 95%
• 48% of students are male, 52% of students are female

Estimated Tuition

• In-state tuition and fees: $9,806 (one school year)
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,676 (one school year)
• Room and Board: $11,456 (one school year)

Housing

• 19% of students live in residence housing that is affiliated, owned, or operated by the university
• 81% of students live off campus
• Freshmen are not required to live on campus their first year; they may choose to live in Austin proper
  

Athletics

• UT-Austin competes in the Division I Big 12 Conference

Fun Facts:

• UT-Austin has one of the largest Greek systems in the country, two of the largest student publications among colleges, and more than 900 student organizations and clubs.
• The school mascot is Bevo the Longhorn.
• With a student ID, students can travel for free on the capitol Metro buses.
• Hundreds of study abroad programs are available to students with the most popular destinations being China, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.
• Notable alumni include actor, Mathew McConaughey, former first lady, Laura Bush, and former baseball pitcher, Roger Clemens.

Application Information

• Deadline: December 1
• $75 application fee
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

 When asked to describe what academics are like at University of Texas-Austin, one student described, “Academic difficulty at UT differs greatly from major to major and college to college. If you take the initiative, professors will know who you are. Even in the largest classes I have had (ranging from 400-500 students), my professors have known my name, my major, and even what I want to do with my life. The best way to accomplish this is to sit in the front, go the their office hours, and simply let yourself be known. You will need these professors for letters of recommendation for grad/law/med school, so make sure you get to know them (and make sure you make a good impression).”

For students who are interested in attending a large campus that exhibits a lot of school pride, especially in its football and athletic teams, and for students who are interested in living in the heart of a great metropolis, University of Texas-Austin offers these qualities to its student community.

To learn more about University of Texas-Austin, visit http://www.utexas.edu