What the University of Texas System Is

The University of Texas System is a network of public universities run by the state of Texas. It includes nine universities spread across Texas, each with its own campus, student body, and academic programs. The largest and most well-known is the University of Texas at Austin, but the system also operates universities in Arlington, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio, Tyler, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley, and Austin (the Health Science Center). Each campus operates independently but shares some central administration and policies set by the UT System Board of Regents.

The system serves over 230,000 students across all nine campuses. Some campuses focus on research and offer doctoral degrees; others emphasize undergraduate education or specific fields like engineering or health professions. Tuition and fees vary by campus and program, and in-state students pay less than out-of-state students. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available through each campus's financial aid office.

Key Takeaways

  • The UT System includes nine separate universities across Texas, each with different programs, admission standards, and costs.
  • In-state tuition is lower than out-of-state tuition, and costs vary significantly between campuses and degree programs.
  • Admission requirements differ by campus and major; UT Austin has the most competitive standards, while other campuses may have different thresholds.
  • Each campus has its own financial aid office, and students can explore federal loans, grants, and university-specific scholarships through those offices.
  • The UT System uses the Common process and the Coalition process for admissions, though some campuses have additional requirements.

The Nine Campuses and What They Offer

University of Texas at Austin is the flagship campus and the largest. It offers over 170 undergraduate majors and many graduate and doctoral programs. Admission is highly competitive; the middle 50% of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1330 and 1530 and high school GPAs between 3.8 and 4.0. UT Austin houses the McCombs School of Business, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts, among others.

UT Arlington emphasizes engineering, business, and nursing. It is less selective than UT Austin and enrolls about 50,000 students. UT Dallas focuses on engineering, computer science, and business and is located in the Dallas area. UT San Antonio serves a large Hispanic student population and offers programs in engineering, business, and education. UT El Paso is the only UT System campus west of the Pecos River and serves students across West Texas and Mexico.

UT Tyler, UT Permian Basin, and UT Rio Grande Valley are smaller regional campuses that serve their local areas. UT Tyler offers bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, business, and liberal arts. UT Permian Basin focuses on engineering and business. UT Rio Grande Valley serves the southernmost tip of Texas and offers programs in engineering, business, and education. The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio is a graduate and professional school focused on medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health.

How Admission Works Across UT Campuses

Each UT campus sets its own admission standards, so the process and requirements differ. UT Austin, as the most selective, requires submission through the Common process or Coalition process, along with an essay and a high school transcript. Most other UT campuses also accept these applications but may have lower GPA and test score expectations.

Texas high school students who rank in the top 6% of their class are automatically admitted to UT Austin under the Top 10% law (now Top 6%). Out-of-state and international students do not receive automatic admission and must meet published standards. Some UT System campuses do not use class rank and instead evaluate applications holistically, looking at GPA, test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities.

process important date typically fall in December or January for fall enrollment. Each campus publishes its own important date on its admissions website. Some campuses offer rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they arrive and send decisions throughout the spring; others use a fixed important date and review all applications together.

Tuition, Fees, and Cost Differences Between Campuses

In-state tuition and fees for the 2023–2024 academic year vary by campus. UT Austin's in-state cost is higher than regional campuses like UT Tyler or UT Rio Grande Valley. Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at all campuses. Engineering and business programs often charge additional fees beyond the base tuition rate. The UT System publishes a tuition comparison table on its central website that shows costs by campus and program.

Room and board, books, and living expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Students living on campus pay more than those commuting. Some UT System campuses are in urban areas where off-campus housing may be cheaper; others are in smaller towns where on-campus housing is the primary option. The financial aid office at each campus provides a cost-of-attendance estimate that includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and personal expenses.

Texas residents may also be may be able to access for state financial aid programs, such as the Texas Grant Program or the TEXAS Grant, which are administered through the state's Higher Education Coordinating Board. These programs are separate from UT System aid but can reduce the out-of-pocket cost for may be able to access students.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Within the UT System

Each UT campus has a financial aid office that processes federal student loans, federal Pell Grants, and state grants. Students must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal aid. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year and has a priority important date of March 2 for the following academic year, though applications are accepted until June 30.

UT System campuses offer merit-based scholarships funded by the university, private donors, and endowments. Merit scholarships are based on academic achievement, test scores, or special talents and do not require demonstrated financial need. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on the difference between the cost of attendance and the student's expected family contribution. Some scholarships are restricted to Texas residents or students from specific regions.

UT Austin offers the Longhorn Scholarship, which is a need-based award for Texas residents with family incomes below certain thresholds. Other campuses have their own named scholarships. The UT System website maintains a searchable database of scholarships available across all nine campuses. Students should also search external scholarship databases and speak with their campus financial aid office about opportunities specific to their major or background.

how the process works and Next Steps

To explore to a UT System campus, visit that campus's admissions website directly. Most campuses use the Common process or Coalition process, though some accept the UT System's own process form. You will need your high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores (if required by the campus), and an essay or personal statement. Some programs, such as engineering or music, may require additional materials like a portfolio or audition.

After submitting your process, the admissions office will send you a decision by mail or email. If you are admitted, you will receive information about enrollment deposits, housing applications, and orientation dates. The enrollment deposit is typically due by May 1 and reserves your spot in the incoming class. Housing applications open in the spring, and on-campus housing fills quickly at popular campuses.

Once enrolled, you will register for classes during orientation or during an online registration period. Each campus has an academic advisor who helps you plan your course schedule and understand degree requirements. The UT System uses a common course numbering system, so if you transfer between campuses, your credits transfer with you.

Transfer Students and Changing Campuses Within UT

Students who begin at one UT campus can transfer to another UT campus, though the process and acceptance rates vary. Transferring within the UT System is generally easier than transferring from outside the system because credits transfer directly and the UT System recognizes degrees from all nine campuses equally. However, competitive programs like engineering at UT Austin may have higher GPA requirements for transfer students.

To transfer within UT, you submit an process to the campus you want to attend. The admissions office will evaluate your college GPA, the courses you have completed, and whether those courses meet the requirements of your intended major at the new campus. Some courses may not transfer if they do not align with the receiving campus's curriculum. You should speak with an academic advisor at your current campus before explore to understand how your credits will count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live on campus as a UT System student?

No. Most UT System campuses do not require on-campus housing, though some require it for first-year students. UT Austin requires first-year students to live on campus unless they live within a certain distance of campus or have an approved exemption. Other campuses have different policies. Check your specific campus's housing requirements on its admissions website.

Can I take classes at multiple UT campuses at the same time?

Yes, but you must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at one campus. Some students take online classes from another UT campus to fill requirements or explore different programs. You should speak with your academic advisor before enrolling in courses at another campus to make sure the credits will count toward your degree.

What is the difference between UT Austin and the other UT System campuses?

UT Austin is the flagship and most selective campus, with the highest tuition and the most research funding. Other UT System campuses are smaller, less selective, and often more affordable. They may focus on specific regions or fields, such as engineering at UT Dallas or health professions at UT Health Science Center. All UT System degrees are recognized equally by employers and graduate schools.

How much does it cost to attend a UT System university?

In-state tuition and fees range from about $10,000 to $15,000 per year depending on the campus and program. Out-of-state tuition is roughly double. Room, board, books, and other expenses add $15,000 to $25,000 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and loans can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Use each campus's net price calculator on its financial aid website to estimate your actual cost based on your family's income.

What happens if I do not get into UT Austin?

You can explore to other UT System campuses, which have lower admission standards. You can also attend a community college for your first two years and then transfer to a UT campus. Many students start at a regional UT campus and transfer to UT Austin after completing their first two years if they meet the transfer requirements.