The University of Texas at Austin is making headlines again, setting new records for freshman applications and achieving its highest-ever four-year graduation rate. According to a recent university announcement, UT Austin saw a remarkable 10% increase in applications for the Fall 2024 term, totaling an impressive 72,885 submissions.
This growth in interest has also been accompanied by an increase in overall enrollment. The university has seen its student population rise by 1.5%, reaching 53,864 students, making it another banner year for UT Austin. More significantly, the institution’s four-year graduation rate has soared to 74.8%, a remarkable jump from just 52.0% in 2013. The university has also made notable strides in supporting minority and Pell-eligible students, who have experienced even greater improvements in graduation outcomes over the past decade.
President Jay Hartzell attributes these successes to UT Austin’s commitment to making a top-tier education more accessible and affordable. Initiatives like the UT for Me program, powered by Dell Scholars, and the Texas Advance Commitment have played a key role in lowering the net tuition cost for students. As reported by the university, net tuition has dropped to $4,152—almost a third of the listed price. Housing affordability is also being addressed through scholarships that offer up to $2,300 per year for students in need.
UT Austin’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its student body, with Hispanic students now representing 25.5% of enrollment and Black students making up 5.4%. These gains highlight the university’s effort to foster an inclusive academic environment while maintaining a high standard of educational excellence.
President Hartzell praised the performance of students, noting that they are thriving once they arrive on campus. This progress aligns with UT Austin’s mission to remain a beacon of opportunity and academic achievement in Texas.
Final data on these trends will be available in UT’s upcoming annual report, Trends in Student Data, but the preliminary figures already point to another year of growth and success for the university.