The University of Texas at Austin, often referred to simply as UT Austin, is a powerhouse in both education and research, making it a top contender for applicants, especially those interested in computer science. Ranked #7 in the nation for computer science, UT Austin offers a world-class education with access to cutting-edge research and industry connections that can launch your career in tech.
Founded in 1883, UT Austin is not only one of the largest public universities in the United States, but it’s also one of the most prestigious. For Fall 2025, UT received more than 90,000 freshman applications, a 24% increase from the previous year. As you can imagine, the competition is fierce, with out-of-state applicants making up a growing portion of the applicant pool.
The Computer Science (CS) program at UT Austin is incredibly competitive, with a focus on technical excellence and innovation. Students can choose from several concentrations within the CS major, including Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, Game Development, Machine Learning & AI, and Mobile Computing. These specializations allow students to dive deep into their area of interest and graduate with skills that are highly sought after in the tech industry.
Admission to the CS program is tough. While UT Austin doesn’t report specific admission rates by major, the university’s overall acceptance rate is less than 30% for all applicants (in-state and out-of-state combined). You can expect that the acceptance rate for CS is even lower, and for out-of-state applicants, in the single digits.
Texas public universities, including UT Austin, reserve 90% of their first-year spots for in-state residents, making it even harder for out-of-state applicants to gain admission. The application pool is highly competitive across all majors, but computer science is especially challenging, given its national ranking and reputation for producing top-tier tech talent.
If you're interested in the field but don’t quite make it into the CS program, don’t worry! UT Austin offers several alternative majors that blend technology with other disciplines, offering great opportunities to get involved in the tech world from a slightly different angle.
This program focuses on applying computational methods to solve engineering problems. You'll learn to analyze data and implement algorithms to address real-world issues, giving you a strong foundation in both engineering and computational techniques.
This interdisciplinary major combines electrical engineering with computer science, providing students with a broad understanding of hardware design, embedded systems, telecommunications, and more. If you enjoy the intersection of hardware and software, this major could be a perfect fit for you.
For those more interested in data and math, this major focuses on statistical theory and computational methods. With the rapid growth of data science, this program provides a strong foundation in analytics.
If you're interested in the intersection of technology and business, the Management Information Systems (MIS) program is an excellent option. By studying data management, IT strategy, and business analytics, you’ll be prepared for a career that bridges the gap between technology and business.
The Informatics program at UT Austin is offered as both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Students can concentrate in areas like Cultural Heritage Informatics, Health Informatics, Human-Centered Data Science, and User Experience Design, among others. The B.S. track is more technical and includes more coursework in math, science, and technology, while the B.A. offers flexibility for those who want to integrate a more interdisciplinary approach.
Applying to UT Austin’s Computer Science program can be a highly competitive and nerve-wracking process, but it’s important to remember that the university offers a wealth of opportunities across a wide range of tech-related fields. Whether you gain admission to the CS program or pursue one of the alternative majors, UT Austin is a fantastic place to grow as a student and launch a successful career in technology.
At PathIvy, we know the strategies that can help you navigate this competitive process and give you the best chance of success. Best of luck as you prepare your application to one of the top universities in the world!