🏆 Full tuition available (Forty Acres Scholars Program & Dedman Distinguished Scholars)
Average Net Price
$19,678/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
22 opportunities
5 competitive · 9 hidden gem · 8 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: TBD • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Forty Acres Scholars Program & Dedman Distinguished Scholars
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
ACM (graduate level only)
⚠️ UT Austin doesn’t publish a clean “automatic merit ladder” the way many public universities do.
Most awards are competitive (departmental, donor, and program-based), and timing/deadlines matter a lot.
🧠
UT Austin Reality Check (Texas families):
UT can feel like two different admissions tracks: Top 6% auto-admit vs. holistic review.
But here’s the part families miss: Top 6% status doesn’t guarantee a specific major (and it doesn’t unlock automatic scholarships).
Competitive majors like Engineering (Cockrell), Computer Science, and Business (McCombs) are their own selection process.
CRP takeaway: treat scholarships at UT like a competitive process either way — being early, complete, and matched to the right programs matters.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of Texas at Austin is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29-34; SAT: 1230-1480.
Average net price? About $19,678/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM (graduate level only).
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas at Austin 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Category (2026–2027)
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters)
$12,217
$42,574
Housing & Meals (typical)
$15,465
$15,465
Total (Direct Costs)
$27,682
$58,039
Average Federal Net Price: $19,678 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
UT Austin does not offer a broad automatic out-of-state discount. Some nonresidents may qualify for a competitive scholarship tuition waiver that waives the nonresident portion of tuition; waivers are limited, competitive, and tied to specific UT-recognized scholarships.
UT’s on-campus housing estimate is a solid planning baseline — but in Austin, many students move off campus after freshman year,
and West Campus rent can push real costs higher than families expect.
If UT is a “must-have” school, build a Year 2–4 housing buffer into your budget and talk early about roommates, location, and transportation.
Parent tip: when reviewing apartments, compare total monthly cost (rent + utilities + parking + commute) — not just the sticker rent.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at UT Austin
Why does UT publish tuition as a range instead of one number?
UT’s tuition varies by degree program and tuition structure. For consistency across CRP pages and databases,
we use a single midpoint as a “typical” planning number.
Why is out-of-state so much higher?
Nonresidents do not receive the Texas state subsidy that helps fund UT, so their base tuition rate is higher.
Housing and meals are estimated similarly for residents and nonresidents.
Can an out-of-state student ever pay in-state tuition at UT Austin?
Sometimes. One common path is receiving a qualifying competitive scholarship that includes a tuition waiver.
These awards are limited and not automatic.
Is the average net price the same as the sticker price?
No. Sticker price is the published cost before aid. Net price reflects what families paid on average after
grants and scholarships. Your actual number depends on income, residency, and merit.
Does UT offer a fixed-tuition option?
UT offers an optional Longhorn Fixed Tuition program that can lock tuition rates for eligible students,
with different rules and tradeoffs compared to the traditional rate.
Does UT Austin require the CSS Profile?
UT Austin’s standard financial aid process relies on the FAFSA. The CSS Profile is not part of UT’s
general undergraduate aid requirements.
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines.
We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
Automatic Scholarships — UT Austin
Quick heads up: UT Austin does not publish automatic, formula-based merit scholarships (the “3.9 GPA + 32 ACT = $X/year” kind).
Most UT scholarships are awarded through competitive review. For incoming freshmen, the most important “don’t miss” step is to
complete UT’s scholarship questions/interest items in MyStatus and submit required financial aid items by UT’s stated deadlines
(commonly January 15 for incoming student aid steps).
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
UT Austin doesn’t publish automatic “tiers,” so there’s no guaranteed merit amount tied to GPA/test scores.
Families should treat UT scholarships as competitive and focus on being early, complete, and eligible for review
(application + MyStatus scholarship items + financial aid steps).
🧭 The CRP Parent Playbook for UT Austin
UT isn’t a “set it and forget it” scholarship school. Use this as a simple checklist to avoid the most common money mistakes.
Milestone
Parent Action
Why It Matters at UT
Aug–Sept
Have the “major backup” talk (Plan A + Plan B).
UT can admit a student but not to the first-choice major (especially CS/Business/Engineering).
Oct–Dec
Apply early and watch every MyStatus item (tests/materials/questions).
UT has “quiet” requirements that can shift you out of early review or scholarship consideration.
By Jan 15
Treat financial aid completion like a scholarship deadline (FAFSA/TASFA + UT requests).
A lot of UT’s meaningful aid is need-aware or need-influenced — late aid files can quietly reduce options.
Spring
Do the Texas Exes sweep (main app + local chapter/affinity options).
Texas Exes is one of the most real scholarship funnels connected to UT — and many chapters have smaller pools.
Post-admit
Log into LASSO and search/filter — don’t assume “automatic matching.”
At UT, the money is often scattered by department/program; families who search find options others miss.
Quick split: Parents organize deadlines + run the Net Price Calculator + build the budget. Students own essays, short answers, and scholarship portals.
Automatic Merit — FAQs (UT Austin)
Does UT Austin offer automatic merit scholarships based on GPA or test scores?
Not in the way many other public universities do. UT does not publish an automatic merit chart with guaranteed award amounts tied to GPA/ACT/SAT.
Most scholarships are awarded through competitive review.
What’s the most important deadline to remember for scholarships/a id?
For incoming students, UT commonly lists January 15 as a key deadline for completing required financial aid steps and scholarship-related items in the UT system.
If you miss it, you may still be admitted—but you can reduce scholarship/aid consideration.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
UT often states there is no separate scholarship application for many university-wide awards.
Instead, scholarship questions and interest items are handled through MyStatus (and some colleges/departments may have additional steps later).
When are UT scholarship awards typically announced?
UT commonly notes that many scholarship notifications happen in the late winter to early spring window (often February through April),
after admissions decisions and scholarship review are completed.
Can test-optional students still be considered for scholarships?
Often yes—because UT scholarship review can consider multiple factors beyond test scores. But competitive awards are still competitive, and some departments/programs may prefer or require specific materials.
If your student has strong scores, submitting them can help in a crowded pool.
If UT doesn’t have automatic merit, what should families do instead?
Treat UT like a “competitive scholarship school”: apply on time, complete MyStatus scholarship items, submit FAFSA early,
and then focus effort on the next sections of this page (competitive scholarships, departmental awards, and honors-linked funding).
These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded through holistic review.
Academic strength matters, but leadership, service, essays, and program fit often decide outcomes.
Some awards involve separate applications, interviews, or cohort selection.
Full RideApp Required
Forty Acres Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Fall (Texas Exes timeline) · 📢 Results: Spring ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
Full cost of attendance plus enrichment funding (summer programs, study abroad, internship support)
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Approximately 15–20 scholars per cohort winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Forty Acres covers the full cost of attendance, so additional UT or outside awards typically can't increase the total package — they may reduce the Forty Acres portion. The enrichment funding for summer programs is the real differentiator on top of the COA coverage.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UT Austin by Dec 1; submit the separate Forty Acres application through Texas Exes by the published fall deadline; finalists are invited to an in-person selection weekend in Austin.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
UT Austin's flagship full-ride. Separate application through Texas Exes alumni association; admitted-student status alone doesn't put a student in the pool. The selection weekend is part of the process — interview prep matters as much as the written app.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A very small cohort (roughly 15–20 a year) with national-caliber academics, sustained leadership over years rather than a list of one-off activities, and a clear story about impact. Stats alone won't get a student to the finalist weekend — judges want to see who they are.
Automatic
University Leadership Network (ULN)
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (financial aid completion) ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
ULN funding stacks with federal and state aid up to cost of attendance. The paid internship component is a real income stream on top of the scholarship — students earn while building résumé experience.
💡
Strategic Detail
ULN is a four-year cohort program — students commit to attending weekly leadership meetings and complete a paid internship sequence. There's no separate application, but FAFSA/TASFA timing is everything. Late aid files quietly remove students from consideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Texas residents with documented financial need who show leadership promise and resilience. The program looks for students who'll thrive in a structured cohort environment with required programming.
App Required
Terry Foundation Scholarship (UT Partner)
📅 Deadline: Fall (Terry Foundation deadline) · 📢 Results: Spring ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Terry is structured as gap-filling — it covers what other aid doesn't, up to tuition, fees, books, and reasonable living costs. Stacking outside awards can reduce the Terry portion rather than increase the total package.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Terry Foundation application (separate from UT) by the foundation's fall deadline; finalists are invited to interview. Admission to UT Austin is required.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Terry is a private foundation, not a UT program, but it partners closely with UT Austin and several other Texas publics. The application is separate and the foundation's interview is a real gate. Treat it like a second admissions process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Texas students from low- to moderate-income families with a track record of sustained leadership and persistence. Terry looks closely at character — recommendations and the interview carry real weight.
Automatic
Presidential Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Jan 15 (financial aid completion) ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Presidential Scholars funding stacks with federal Pell and Texas grants up to cost of attendance. Because the award is need-influenced, large outside scholarships can sometimes reduce the Presidential portion.
💡
Strategic Detail
Quiet program with no separate app — but FAFSA timing decides everything. The Jan 15 financial aid deadline is the real gate. Awards are typically announced late winter to early spring along with the rest of UT's institutional aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Academically strong incoming freshmen whose FAFSA or TASFA shows significant financial need. There's no published GPA or test floor — UT pulls from the competitive admitted pool.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Texas Exes Scholarships (General Pool)
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 · 📢 Results: Spring Non-Renewable
$1,000–$10,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Texas Exes awards stack with federal, state, and other UT aid up to cost of attendance. Because award amounts are donor-driven and vary widely, the value of applying is in being in many pools at once with a single app.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the single Texas Exes scholarship application through the Texas Exes Academic Works portal by Mar 1; one application puts students into the pool for many donor-funded awards.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The single most underused funnel for UT money. One application puts a student in dozens of donor pools, including chapter and affinity awards. Mar 1 is the deadline parents most often miss because it falls between admissions decisions and committing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with solid academics plus a compelling story — leadership, service, regional ties, family background, or a specific identity often matter more than raw stats. Different donors weight different things.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
UT Austin does not publish GPA-based guarantees for competitive scholarships. Awards are limited and committee-selected.
If your student is pursuing UT seriously, treat scholarships like a second application: deadlines, completeness, and fit matter.
Competitive Scholarships — FAQs (UT Austin)
Which UT scholarship is the true “full ride”?
The best-known full cost-of-attendance scholarship is Forty Acres, administered through Texas Exes. It’s extremely selective and has its own timeline.
Does UT Austin have “automatic merit” for top GPA/test scores?
Not in the way many public universities do. UT generally does not publish a “GPA + test score = $X” ladder for freshmen. Most meaningful awards are competitive or program-based.
How does ULN work if there’s no separate application?
ULN is a cohort program. UT selects students through its internal scholarship review process (and expects financial aid materials to be completed on time). If your FAFSA/TASFA is late, you can miss consideration.
Are Terry and Forty Acres UT-run scholarships?
They’re connected to UT but run by external partners. Terry is a foundation scholarship and Forty Acres runs through Texas Exes. Students must follow those organizations’ application steps and timelines.
What’s the single best way to improve chances for competitive scholarships at UT?
Apply early, submit every required document on time (especially financial aid), and build a cohesive story: leadership + service + clear academic direction. “Perfect stats” alone usually isn’t enough.
Do these scholarships stack?
Sometimes, but it depends on the award. Competitive scholarships can be combined with federal/state aid up to cost of attendance, but packages may be adjusted if total aid exceeds allowed limits.
These scholarships aren’t part of UT’s headline merit programs, but they represent
real, stackable money. Most are tied to department,
involvement, identity, or financial need rather than GPA alone.
At UT Austin, a lot of scholarship funding lives inside colleges and departments,
which means your student’s major choice often determines where (and how) these opportunities appear.
Many are awarded after admission and often have smaller applicant pools.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Before study abroad term Non-Renewable
$3,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
First Abroad stacks with other UT aid and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance for the term abroad. Many first-gen students underestimate how much existing aid can travel with them on a UT-approved program — this is additive.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through UT's Texas Global office before the study abroad term; submit financial aid documentation and a brief statement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One of UT's most actionable hidden gems for first-gen families — a flat $3,000 that often closes the gap on a study abroad term. Most students never hear about it because it lives inside Texas Global, not the main scholarship portal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students who plan their study abroad term early, meet with a Texas Global advisor, and submit complete documentation before the deadline. The pool is small and self-selecting.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Texas Exes Chapter & Affinity Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Spring (varies by chapter, generally Mar 1) Non-Renewable
$1,000–$4,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Chapter awards stack with the general Texas Exes pool — students can be selected for multiple awards through one application. Some chapters have very small applicant pools, which makes these among the most winnable UT-affiliated dollars.
📄
How to Apply
Use the same single Texas Exes application as the general pool — selecting home region or affinity group in the portal automatically enters the student in matching chapter funds.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Most parents miss these because they're buried inside the broader Texas Exes application. The trick is to actually fill in the home-region question and any affinity affiliations — that triggers chapter consideration automatically.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students from the chapter's geographic area, or with the affinity tie the fund honors, who apply early and write specifically about their connection to the region or group. Generic essays don't win these.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Longhorn Band Endowed Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies (post-placement) ✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Band scholarships stack with UT institutional aid and outside awards up to cost of attendance. They often layer cleanly with departmental scholarships because they're funded separately.
💡
Strategic Detail
Real money for non-music-major band members. Many students don't realize the Butler School supports band participants from any major with named endowed funds — placement in the band is the first step, applications follow.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active Longhorn Band members in good academic standing who show commitment across multiple semesters. GPA requirements vary by specific endowment, but the consistent signal is musical commitment plus solid academics.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Generation Endowed Scholarships (UT-Wide)
📅 Deadline: UT scholarship cycle ✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
First-gen funds stack with federal Pell, Texas grants, and other UT aid up to cost of attendance. Several distinct endowments exist — a student can sometimes be matched to more than one in the same cycle.
💡
Strategic Detail
These live inside LASSO (UT's internal scholarship platform) rather than on the main scholarships page — they don't show up until after admission and login. Families who don't log into LASSO and search miss them entirely.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with documented financial need and solid academic progress at UT. Donor criteria vary widely; the consistent winners complete FAFSA early and update MyStatus with full first-gen background.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Dean of Students Leadership & Service Scholarships
📅 Deadline: UT scholarship cycle Non-Renewable
$1,000–$4,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Dean of Students awards stack with UT institutional aid and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance. Because they reward involvement, students often layer them on top of academic awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Dean of Students office or LASSO; most funds ask for a résumé of leadership roles plus a short statement. Some require a faculty or staff recommendation.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The most common parent question is 'where do leadership scholarships live at UT?' — and the answer is mostly here, scattered across the Dean of Students umbrella. LASSO surfaces them after admission.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with sustained leadership or service roles — student government, major orgs, recognized initiatives. One-time volunteering won't move the needle. Reviewers look for two-plus years of involvement and a clear arc of growing responsibility.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ISSS / Texas Global International Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Texas Global deadlines (varies) Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because international students aren't eligible for federal aid, these awards layer with any private outside scholarships and any departmental funding. Stack potential is limited by UT's overall cost-of-attendance cap.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Texas Global's ISSS scholarship portal; submit financial documentation, current academic standing, and a statement of need.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
International families often assume there's no UT aid for them — these are the awards that disprove that, though they're modest. The bigger value is signaling to ISSS that the student is on the radar for emergency funds too.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Continuing international undergraduates with documented need and good academic standing. The pool is small and most awards go to students at the boundary between affording UT and dropping below full-time.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Moody College of Communication Endowments
📅 Deadline: Varies (post-enrollment, typically spring) ✓ Renews
$1,000–$10,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Moody endowments stack with UT-wide aid and outside scholarships up to cost of attendance. Because they're college-specific, they often layer cleanly on top of need-based packages.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Moody College's internal scholarship system after admission to the college; most funds use a single application that matches students to multiple donor awards.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Some of the most generous college-specific dollars at UT live in Moody — but they're invisible until after enrollment. New Moody students should plan to apply in their first spring, not wait until later years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Communication majors whose focus aligns with donor themes — journalism, advertising, public relations, public service media. Strong writing samples and clear career direction matter more than raw GPA.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cockrell School of Engineering Endowments
📅 Deadline: Varies (post-enrollment, typically spring) ✓ Renews
$1,000–$10,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cockrell endowments stack with UT-wide aid up to cost of attendance. Engineering majors often see these layer with departmental scholarships within their specific discipline (ECE, ME, ChemE, etc.).
📄
How to Apply
Submit Cockrell's single internal scholarship application after admission to the school; one application matches students to many donor-specific awards across engineering disciplines.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Cockrell's internal scholarship app is one of the highest-leverage single forms at UT — one submission, dozens of potential awards. Direct-admit engineering students should fill it out in their first spring, not wait.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engineering students with strong academic performance and a clear technical focus area. Donors often target specific disciplines, so students who clarify their major path early appear in more pools.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College of Natural Sciences Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies (post-enrollment, typically spring) ✓ Renews
$1,000–$15,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
CNS scholarships stack with UT institutional aid up to cost of attendance. Research-tied awards sometimes include a stipend separate from the scholarship — this can be a real additional income stream.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through CNS's scholarship portal after admission; some awards require additional applications for research components or specific programs.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CNS has some of the most generous departmental awards on campus — especially for students engaged in undergraduate research. The top of the band (around $15,000) usually goes to research-active juniors and seniors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
STEM students who pair strong coursework with research interest or faculty engagement. The largest awards typically go to students who've already started lab work or shown clear research direction.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Hidden-gem scholarships often stack with federal and state aid and can meaningfully
reduce cost. FAFSA or TASFA completion by UT’s priority deadline is essential for
most awards listed here.
Hidden Gem Scholarships — FAQs (UT Austin)
Why do many of these awards list “varies” for deadlines?
Departmental and involvement-based scholarships are usually reviewed internally
after admission or enrollment, so UT does not publish a single universal deadline.
Are these scholarships easier to win than flagship awards?
Often, yes. Applicant pools are smaller and more targeted, especially for
departmental, band, and alumni-chapter scholarships.
Do students need perfect GPAs or test scores?
Usually not. Many of these awards focus on fit, involvement, leadership,
or financial need rather than raw academic metrics.
Can these stack with other aid?
In many cases, yes—up to UT’s cost of attendance limits.
What’s the most common mistake families make?
Missing FAFSA or TASFA priority deadlines, which quietly removes eligibility
for many hidden-gem awards.
UT Austin does not have one single “Honors College.” Instead, UT offers multiple freshman honors programs housed inside specific colleges (Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, Natural Sciences, etc.).
You can apply by selecting honors on your admission application or by submitting an honors application in MyStatus after you apply.
App Required
Plan II Honors
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mar 1 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Plan II by itself is a program, not a scholarship — but admission unlocks the separate Plan II Incoming Scholarships pool, plus Dedman Distinguished Scholars consideration for in-state students.
📄
How to Apply
Apply by selecting Plan II as a major on the UT admission application by Dec 1; Plan II prompts and essays are part of the application. Decisions typically released by Mar 1.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Plan II is the academic crown jewel at UT for non-STEM students — and admission, even without aid, opens doors to the most generous honors scholarships. Students can apply to both Plan II and Liberal Arts Honors, but can only enroll in one.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with elite academic rigor and standout writing — Plan II reviewers look for analytical depth in essays, not just stats. Many admits have published writing, debate experience, or research portfolios.
Automatic
Plan II Honors — Incoming Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 (Plan II application) · 📢 Results: Mar 1 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Plan II incoming scholarships stack with UT institutional aid and outside awards up to cost of attendance. Top Plan II admits may be referred to Dedman Distinguished Scholars consideration, which is a separate tier entirely.
💡
Strategic Detail
The scholarship tier is internal to Plan II — students don't apply separately, but the size of the award varies widely by year and cohort. Treat this as a 'Plan II admission + maybe' outcome, not a guarantee.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Plan II admits with the strongest academic profiles or demonstrated need within the cohort. The award is a recognition layer on top of Plan II admission — not every Plan II student receives one.
App Required
Liberal Arts Honors (LAH)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mar 1 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
LAH admission unlocks consideration for Dedman Distinguished Scholars (for in-state students) and continuing LAH scholarships starting sophomore year.
📄
How to Apply
Apply by Dec 1 — select LAH on the UT admission application and complete LAH-specific essays. Decisions released by Mar 1.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
LAH is less famous than Plan II but covers a much broader set of liberal arts majors. Students who don't want Plan II's interdisciplinary breadth often find LAH a better fit for a specific humanities or social sciences focus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong writers headed for liberal arts majors who can articulate intellectual direction — LAH cares about fit with the seminar model. Stats matter, but voice in essays matters more.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Liberal Arts Honors — Continuing Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Spring (varies) ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Continuing LAH scholarships stack with UT institutional aid up to cost of attendance. They often layer with Dedman Distinguished Scholars funding for students in both programs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through LAH's internal scholarship process during sophomore through senior years — current LAH or Humanities Honors enrollment plus solid academic standing required.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
This tier doesn't help with the incoming-freshman decision — it kicks in after the student is already in LAH. Worth noting in a four-year financial plan, but not actionable for new admits.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Continuing honors students with strong academic standing and clear progress in the program. Reviewers want evidence the student is using LAH — seminar engagement, faculty relationships, research direction.
Full RideApp Required
Dedman Distinguished Scholars
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Spring ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
Full cost of attendance plus enrichment funding (research, study abroad, internship support)
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Dedman covers the full cost of attendance, so additional UT or outside awards typically can't add to the total. The enrichment funding for research and study abroad is the layer most families miss when comparing offers.
📄
How to Apply
Selected from in-state freshmen admitted to Plan II Honors or Liberal Arts Honors — apply to those programs by Dec 1; nomination and finalist review run through LAH/Plan II.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
The closest thing UT has to a full-ride for Texas humanities students. Smaller and less famous than Forty Acres, but functionally the same value — and Plan II/LAH admission is the prerequisite, so this isn't a parallel application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top in-state Plan II or LAH admits with exceptional academics, sustained leadership, and a clear story of community impact. The cohort is small — single digits per year.
App Required
Canfield Business Honors (CBHP)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mar 1 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
CBHP admission is academic — direct scholarship value varies by year. Strong CBHP students often layer department-specific McCombs endowments on top of any honors-tied funding.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to McCombs as Unspecified Business with CBHP honors prompts on the UT application by Dec 1 — CBHP admission is part of McCombs holistic review.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CBHP isn't primarily a scholarship — it's a cohort honors program with a tight curriculum. The financial value tends to come from the network, the internship pipeline, and McCombs department awards layered on top.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with top academics, demonstrated leadership, and clear business or analytical focus. CBHP is one of the most selective honors business programs in the country — fit and direction matter as much as stats.
App Required
Engineering Honors (EHP)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mar 1 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
EHP admission opens consideration for Cockrell departmental scholarships and named research awards. The honors track also positions students well for the Engineering Research Scholarship and other late-year competitive funds.
📄
How to Apply
Indicate EHP interest on the UT admission application by Dec 1; some engineering majors include EHP review automatically, others may require an honors prompt or supplemental short answer.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
EHP is more of an academic enrichment layer than a guaranteed scholarship — but EHP students consistently land more of Cockrell's discretionary funding. Worth applying for the access alone.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top engineering admits with strong rigor, research interest, and résumé signal (competitions, hackathons, advanced coursework). EHP reviewers want students who'll push beyond standard engineering curriculum.
Automatic
Dean's Scholars Honors Scholarships (CNS)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 (Dean's Scholars application via UT) · 📢 Results: Mar 1 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Dean's Scholars stipends stack with UT institutional aid and CNS departmental scholarships up to cost of attendance. The honors program also unlocks research opportunities that come with their own stipends — these are often separate from the scholarship line.
💡
Strategic Detail
Dean's Scholars is one of the strongest STEM honors programs at any U.S. public — and the partial-tuition scholarship is layered on top of research access. CS students who get in often pair this with Turing Scholars consideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Dean's Scholars admits with top-tier STEM academics and research potential. The program selects for students who'll engage with faculty-led research early, not just earn high grades.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
* Some programs allow two routes: (1) indicate honors interest inside the admission application, or (2) submit a separate honors application in MyStatus after you apply.
Also note: UT states you can apply to both Plan II and Liberal Arts Honors, but you typically cannot participate in both at the same time.
Honors — FAQs (UT Austin)
Is there one “Honors College” at UT Austin?
No. UT offers multiple honors programs housed within different colleges (Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and more).
How do students apply to honors?
UT describes two common paths: apply through honors prompts inside the admission application, or submit an honors application via MyStatus after applying (when applicable).
Can a student apply to more than one honors program?
Often yes, but programs can have restrictions. For example, UT notes that students may apply to both Plan II and Liberal Arts Honors, but typically cannot enroll in both simultaneously.
Do honors programs guarantee scholarships?
No. Some programs explicitly mention scholarship opportunities (amounts vary by year and funding), but honors is primarily an academic/cohort experience unless a program states otherwise.
When are honors decisions released?
UT states honors decisions are released by March 1 for the fall cycle (program-by-program timelines can vary slightly).
What date should families treat as the “don’t miss” honors deadline?
For fall entry, UT’s main admission application deadline is December 1. UT also lists a separate honors application deadline in the same cycle (and required materials deadlines). When in doubt, apply early and confirm current-year dates on UT’s official honors page.
As one of the nation’s premier public research universities, the University of Texas at Austin combines
elite academics, massive research funding, and global reputation with the resources of a flagship state institution.
UT is classified as an R1 research university, meaning undergraduates have real access to labs, faculty research,
and nationally competitive programs.
Program to Watch:
UT Austin’s Computer Science program (College of Natural Sciences) is consistently ranked among the
top public programs in the country. With deep ties to Austin’s tech ecosystem,
students gain early access to internships, research, and recruiting pipelines from major tech employers.
R1 Research Classification – UT Austin is designated as a Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity (R1), placing it among the top research institutions in the U.S.
Engineering (Cockrell School of Engineering) – One of the largest and most selective public engineering schools in the country, with national strength in electrical, mechanical, civil, and petroleum engineering.
Business (McCombs School of Business) – Highly ranked undergraduate and graduate business programs with strong placement in consulting, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Computer Science – A nationally competitive program with strengths in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and systems, supported by extensive research funding and industry partnerships.
Natural Sciences – The College of Natural Sciences is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, offering standout programs in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, and physics.
Public Affairs & Policy – UT’s LBJ School of Public Affairs is nationally recognized and provides undergraduate pathways into policy, public service, and government-related careers.
Communication & Journalism – The Moody College of Communication is a leader in media, advertising, journalism, and public relations, with strong experiential learning opportunities.
Pre-Law & Pre-Health Pipelines – UT Austin is a major feeder school for law and medical programs, supported by rigorous coursework, advising infrastructure, and research opportunities.
The University of Texas at Austin isn’t just Texas’s flagship — it’s one of the most competitive public universities in the country,
blending elite academics, massive research opportunities, and national recruiting power.
As an R1 research university, UT offers undergraduates access to faculty research, top-tier programs,
and pathways into graduate school, industry, and public service.
Scholarships at UT work differently than at many large public schools.
Automatic merit is limited, competitive awards like Forty Acres are truly elite,
and much of the real money lives in departmental, identity-based, and program-specific “hidden gem” aid.
Families who understand where those awards live — and how they stack with state and federal aid —
are the ones who close the gap.
If your student is considering UT Austin, the key question isn’t “Is there money?”
It’s whether you know which money applies to your kid — and how early, organized planning can turn
one of the nation’s toughest admits into a realistic financial plan.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent navigating UT Austin costs and scholarships.
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