Colleges in Austin, Texas: All 6 Schools
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Austin isn't just the capital of the Lone Star State — the city is a hub for innovation, culture, and education. Austin's eclectic cultural scene, thriving tech industry, and lively atmosphere make it an appealing destination for students.
From the prestigious University of Texas at Austin to smaller liberal arts schools like Southwestern University, students have access to learning and social environments that mirror their individual needs.
With its blend of academic excellence and vibrant urban life, Austin stands out as a compelling choice for current and future students. We've broken down why Austin colleges should top your list.
3 Popular Austin Colleges
Austin is home to some of the state's most popular and prestigious colleges. We've spotlighted three of the most notable based on criteria like number of applicants and overall academic reputation.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and is updated for 2022.
1. The University of Texas at Austin
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $11,698 (in-state), $41,070 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Total Student Enrollment: 52,384
Established in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin stands out as the state's flagship institution owing to its diverse academic offerings, cutting-edge research facilities, and renowned faculty.
UT Austin boasts a rich history and a vibrant campus life. The university is home to one of the country's most famous football teams — the Texas Longhorns. The team is the root of many school traditions and has helped create a spirited student body.
2. Southwestern University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $48,650
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,483
Located north of Austin, Southwestern University is a small liberal arts school and the oldest college in the Lone Star State. Dating back to 1840, Southwestern offers standout academics with a focus on interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and open dialogue.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio, this top Austin institution provides a personalized and collaborative academic environment ideal for students seeking a close-knit community and a holistic education.
3. Texas State University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $11,135 (in-state), $22,559 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Total Student Enrollment: 38,171
Based south of Austin in San Marcos, Texas State University (TSU) is a large public institution that offers a comprehensive educational experience with an expansive list of academic options.
With a beautiful campus nestled in the Texas Hill Country, TSU is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and producing Fulbright scholars. Some of this school's most popular majors include business, criminal justice, psychology, and exercise science.
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List of All Austin Colleges
Here is a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Austin. Use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
All data comes from NCES. We did not include schools that enroll fewer than 500 undergraduates.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University Texas | 1,863 | $24,761 | 86% | 1,886 |
| Huston-Tillotson University | 1,025 | $21,069 | 52% | 1,885 |
| Southwestern University | 1,483 | $31,014 | 45% | 5,557 |
| St. Edward's University | 3,470 | $27,193 | 85% | 6,015 |
| Texas State University | 38,171 | $14,120 | 88% | 28,908 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 52,384 | $17,434 | 31% | 60,055 |
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The 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Austin
Austin is home to a thriving job market, offering high-paying career opportunities in various growing fields.
The city's top-paying jobs often exist in the technology, engineering, and business sectors. Specifically, Austin's three highest-paying careers are chief executives, physical scientists, and financial managers.
Attending college in Austin offers graduates direct access to industry leaders, internships, and countless networking opportunities— fostering connections with tech giants and startups alike.
| Job | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $232,783 |
| Physical Scientists | $217,273 |
| Financial Managers | $214,156 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $194,650 |
| Public Relations Managers | $191,014 |
| Training and Development Managers | $189,987 |
| Database Architects | $183,847 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $178,334 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $176,176 |
| Electronics Engineers | $170,094 |
Cost of Living in Austin
Like other popular growing cities, Austin's cost of living is higher than the national average, with no signs of slowing down. As a result, students choosing colleges in Austin can adopt effective strategies to manage expenses.
Most students can save a significant amount on housing by having a roommate. Students also have access to widespread discounts for things like transportation, entertainment, and dining. By leveraging these student-centric benefits, Austin can become a more affordable city for studying and living.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Home Price | $570,500 |
| Apartment Rent | $1,819 |
| Energy Bill | $156.31 |
| Gasoline | $3.35 |
| Phone Bill | $201.20 |
| Doctor Visit | $119.63 |
| Dentist Visit | $120.40 |
| Haircut | $53.13 |
| Movie Ticket | $12.59 |
| Coffee | $4.58 |
| Bread Loaf | $3.65 |
| 1 Dozen Eggs | $2.83 |
| Pizza | $9.37 |
| Beer | $10.28 |
| Wine | $7.91 |
| Veterinarian Services | $10.28 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Austin
How many colleges are in Austin?
There are six nonprofit four-year universities in Austin. Whether you're looking for a large public institution or smaller liberal arts schools, Austin is home to a number of quality colleges and universities. Top schools include the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Texas State University, and St. Edward's University.
Is Rice University or UT Austin better?
Rice University is considered a Hidden Ivy and is often ranked higher than UT Austin.
Determining whether Rice University, a private, Houston-based college, is better than UT Austin depends entirely on your needs as a student. The two schools differ when it comes to tuition, size, academic reputation, campus culture, and location.
What is the biggest college in Austin?
With over 52,000 students, The University of Texas at Austin is not only the biggest school in Austin but also one of the biggest schools in the state. UT Austin is not just big; it's a prestigious research institution that plays a sizable role in Austin's culture.
What is the cheapest college in Austin?
According to the NCES, Texas State University is the cheapest college in Austin, with an average annual net price of $14,120.
Many factors can influence how much college costs, but one of the most significant elements is a school's status as a public or private institution. Students paying in-state tuition at a public school tend to spend far less than they would at a private college.
