University of Texas at Austin Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies (and where UT is different)
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a real look
- Honors options and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~25–30% (varies by cycle)
- Middle 50% ACT: 29–34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1230–1480
- Average GPA (HS): Not consistently published as a single “average”
Source: UT Austin admissions reporting + national admissions datasets (most recent available). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UT Austin at a Glance
❓ Quick FAQs (UT Austin — 2025–2026)
When is the UT Austin freshman application due for Summer/Fall 2026?
The application deadline is December 1, and the deadline for supplemental materials is December 10. That second date matters—families often miss it.
If my student is applying Early Action, what’s the test score deadline?
UT’s stated deadline for official test scores to be received is October 22 for Early Action. If scores arrive late, UT notes the application can be moved to regular decision.
Does UT Austin have “automatic merit” like Alabama or Arizona State?
Not in the same way. UT Austin generally does not publish a simple “GPA + score = $X per year” ladder. Most meaningful awards are competitive (departmental, donor, and program-based), which is why deadlines, completeness, and matching the right opportunities matter.
When do honors decisions come out?
UT lists honors decisions as typically released around March 1 for the Summer/Fall 2026 cycle. (Honors timelines can differ by program, so we’ll break that down in the Honors section.)
What’s the “one date” parents should circle for financial aid?
UT notes that completing your financial aid application before January 15 maximizes eligibility. If you only pick one “don’t-miss” aid date, make it that.
💰 Cost of Attendance at UT Austin (2025–26)
This table shows the direct, UT-billed costs only for full-time undergraduates (Fall & Spring) living on campus. UT publishes these as ranges by major/tuition program—so for CRP’s database we use a single “typical” midpoint for each line item.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $12,217 | $42,574 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,465 | $15,465 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $27,682 | $58,039 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to UT (tuition/fees and housing/meals). Other expenses are real but vary by family, so UT lists them separately as estimates: books & course materials (~$720), transportation (~$1,786), and personal/miscellaneous (~$3,560).
📉 Average Net Price (what families actually pay after aid)
Federal data shows an average net price of about $19,678 per year for UT Austin (after grants and scholarships, averaged across students receiving aid). For a personalized estimate, use UT’s Net Price Calculator. Want the plain-English version of how this works? Net Price & SAI explained.
UT Austin does not offer a broad automatic out-of-state discount. However, some nonresidents may qualify for a competitive scholarship tuition waiver that waives the nonresident portion of tuition. These waivers are limited, competitive, and tied to specific UT-recognized scholarships—so out-of-state families should plan on paying out-of-state rates unless a waiver is explicitly awarded.
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.
https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/cost-tuition-rates/cost-of-attendance/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?228778-The-University-of-Texas-at-Austin
https://registrar.utexas.edu/schedules/082/tuition
Automatic Scholarships — UT Austin
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No published automatic merit tiers | — | Incoming freshmen; scholarships considered through UT’s internal review process | No separate “automatic chart,” but MyStatus scholarship questions + aid steps apply | Varies by award | Students who are competitive in UT’s pool and complete scholarship/a id steps on time | Aid steps commonly due Jan 15 (incoming students) |
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).
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).
https://admissions.utexas.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/
https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/scholarships-financial-aid/apply/
https://cns.utexas.edu/info-admitted-students/scholarships-future-students
🏆 Competitive Scholarships — UT Austin
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forty Acres Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance + enrichment funding | Admitted freshmen; exceptional academics, leadership, and sustained service | Yes — Texas Exes process | Yes — up to 4 years | A very small cohort of national-caliber applicants with elite academics and major leadership impact | Fall (Texas Exes timeline) |
| University Leadership Network (ULN) | Scholarship support (amount varies) + paid internship + leadership programming | Texas residents with financial need and leadership potential | No separate app (selected by UT) | Yes — multi-year participation | Students with financial need who show leadership promise, resilience, and readiness for cohort-based support | UT internal review cycle |
| Terry Foundation Scholarship (UT Partner) | Covers tuition/fees + books + reasonable living costs (gap-filling) | Texas residents with financial need, strong academics, leadership, and character | Yes | Yes — up to 4 years | High-achieving Texas students from low- to moderate-income families with sustained leadership and persistence | Fall (foundation deadline) |
| Presidential Scholars Program | Up to ~$5,000/year (varies by need) | Incoming freshmen with strong academics and high financial need | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Academically strong students whose FAFSA/TASFA demonstrates significant need | UT aid cycle |
| Texas Exes Scholarships (General Pool) | Varies (often $1,000–$10,000) | UT applicants and students; criteria varies by donor fund | Yes — single Texas Exes application | Varies | Students with solid academics plus a compelling leadership, service, regional, or identity-based story | March 1 |
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.
https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/scholarships-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/
https://uln.utexas.edu/
https://www.texasexes.org/scholarships
https://texasexes.academicworks.com/
Terry Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
🎖 Honors Programs — UT Austin
| Program / Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan II Honors | Program (no guaranteed aid) | Freshman applicants; exceptional academics and writing/critical-thinking fit | Yes | N/A | Students with elite rigor and standout essays, not just stats | Dec 1 |
| Plan II Honors — Incoming Scholarships | $1,000–$5,000+/year (varies) | Students admitted to Plan II Honors | No | Varies | Plan II admits with strong academics and demonstrated need or program fit | Dec 1 |
| Liberal Arts Honors (LAH) | Varies | Freshman applicants to COLA majors with strong seminar fit | Yes | N/A | Strong writers with clear academic direction in the liberal arts | Dec 1 |
| Liberal Arts Honors — Continuing Scholarships | Varies | Current LAH / Humanities Honors students (sophomore–senior) | Yes | Varies | Continuing honors students with strong academic standing | Spring (varies) |
| Dedman Distinguished Scholars | Full cost of attendance + enrichment funding | In-state freshmen admitted to Plan II Honors or LAH | Yes | Yes — up to 4 years | Top Liberal Arts honors admits with exceptional academics, leadership, and service | Dec 1 |
| Canfield Business Honors (CBHP) | Varies | Applicants to Unspecified Business with honors prompts | Yes | N/A | Students with top academics, leadership, and business focus | Dec 1 |
| Engineering Honors (EHP) | Merit opportunities (varies) | Admitted engineering applicants indicating EHP interest | Sometimes | N/A | Top engineering admits with strong rigor and résumé signal | Dec 1 |
| Dean’s Scholars Honors Scholarships (CNS) | ~25%–50% of tuition (varies) | Students admitted to Dean’s Scholars Honors Program | No | Yes | Dean’s Scholars with top-tier STEM academics and research potential | Dec 1 |
* 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.
https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/honors/
https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/freshman/
https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/plan2/prospective-students/application/
https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/lahonors/admissions/
https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/undergraduate/canfield-business-honors-program/admissions/
https://cockrell.utexas.edu/admissions/undergraduate/honors-program/
https://ecb.utexas.edu/admissions
🌟 What UT Austin Is Known For
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.
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.
📎 Official Links
- University of Texas at Austin Homepage
- Scholarships & Financial Aid (UT One Stop)
- UT Austin Scholarship Search (LASSO)
- Apply for Financial Aid & FAFSA Info
- UT Austin Honors Programs Info
- Forty Acres Scholars Program
- UT Austin Net Price Calculator