University of Texas at Austin Acceptance Rate & Requirements

During the 2024–2025 cycle, UT Austin received 72,885 first year applications and admitted 19,417 students. That places the UT Austin acceptance rate at 26.6 percent, a noticeable decline from previous years.

Over the past five admissions cycles, the trend is clear. Applications are rising faster than the number of available seats, pushing UT Austin selectivity higher each year.

While a ~26% acceptance rate may sound manageable on paper, the reality is more nuanced. A large portion of admitted students qualify through Texas automatic admission policies, which significantly affects the chances of getting into UT Austin for non-residents.

UT Austin Selectivity for Out of State Students

The UT Austin acceptance rate looks very different for students applying from outside Texas. For the 2024–2025 cycle, roughly 23,000 out of state students applied, and only 2,332 were admitted. That translates to an out of state acceptance rate of about 10%.

This heightened UT Austin selectivity is driven largely by state law. Texas requires that approximately 90 percent of first year seats go to in state residents. In addition, about 75 percent of the freshman class is filled by students who rank in the top 5 percent of their Texas high school graduating class.

For out-of-state applicants, this means the chances of getting into UT Austin are more competitive than the overall acceptance rate suggests.

UT Austin Transfer Acceptance Rate

For some students, especially those applying from outside Texas, the transfer pathway can offer another option. The UT Austin acceptance rate for transfer students in 2024–2025 was 22.5 percent, with 2,267 admits from 10,055 applicants.

Transfer applications have increased sharply in recent years, particularly among out of state students who recognize how competitive first year admission has become. While still selective, the transfer route may offer stronger chances of getting into UT Austin for certain academic profiles.

Why UT Austin Acceptance Rates Keep Falling

There are several key reasons the UT Austin acceptance rate continues to decline.

First, application volume has surged. UT Austin has become a national destination school, not just a regional one. As more students apply, the university has kept enrollment relatively stable, increasing competition.

Second, UT Austin’s move to the Common App has made applying easier. Previously, students had to apply through ApplyTexas. With the Common App now available, many more students are adding UT Austin to their lists, further impacting UT Austin selectivity.

Third, the automatic admission threshold has tightened. UT Austin recently lowered the cutoff from the top 6 percent to the top 5 percent of Texas high school classes. This shift allows the university to manage demand while still complying with state law.

Finally, UT Austin’s rising reputation plays a role. Strong national rankings, elite programs like engineering and business, and growing recognition outside Texas all contribute to increased demand.

What This Means for Applicants

The headline UT Austin acceptance rate does not tell the full story. A student’s residency status, academic profile, and application strategy all heavily influence outcomes.

Texas residents who fall within the automatic admission threshold are in a strong position. Out-of-state students face much higher UT Austin selectivity and need to present a compelling academic and extracurricular profile. Transfer students should be strategic about timing, coursework, and major selection.

Understanding your personal chances of getting into UT Austin requires looking beyond averages and evaluating how you compare within your specific applicant pool.

At PathIvy, we work with students to assess competitiveness honestly, identify realistic pathways, and build balanced college lists that include strong alternatives alongside reach schools like UT Austin.

Final Thoughts on UT Austin

UT Austin remains one of the most desirable public universities in the country, but rising application numbers have pushed the UT Austin acceptance rate steadily downward. While Texas residents maintain a clear advantage, out of state and transfer applicants can still position themselves for success with a thoughtful admissions strategy.

If you are trying to understand your chances of getting into UT Austin, PathIvy can help you evaluate fit, refine your approach, and build a college plan and list that is balanced.