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University of Texas at Austin Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges

Campus view of the University of Texas at Austin with students and architecture.

Austin, Texas, September 11, 2025

News Summary

The University of Texas at Austin has been recognized in Forbes’ latest list of America’s Top Colleges, ranking in the top 10% of over 500 schools evaluated. This accolade underscores UT Austin’s dedication to academic excellence, financial sustainability, and positive career outcomes for students. Notably, it stands as the second-best college in Texas, following Rice University, and it consistently performs well across various national and global rankings, enhancing its reputation in education and professional fields.

University of Texas at Austin Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges in New Forbes List

Austin, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has earned a distinguished place in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Top Colleges, ranking among the top 10% of over 500 evaluated institutions. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to educational excellence, financial viability, and favorable career outcomes for its undergraduates.

In the latest evaluation, UT Austin was acknowledged as one of Texas’ premier institutions, holding the second ranking in the state, just behind Rice University located in Houston. Furthermore, the university’s position in the national landscape is notable, being ranked No. 60 as America’s best employers by state and No. 39 among research universities, showcasing its reputation in both educational and professional realms.

Regional and Global Rankings

Forbes’ analysis further places UT Austin as the No. 9 college in the South, which aligns with its widely recognized performance in various global assessments. The 2026 QS World University Rankings position UT Austin as the top university in Texas, No. 20 in the U.S., and No. 68 worldwide. Critical factors contributing to this ranking include the institution’s academic reputation, employer credibility, faculty-student ratio, and research output.

Continuous Success in National Rankings

Over the past year, UT Austin has consistently excelled in multiple rankings across different domains. It topped U.S. News’ 2025 list of best graduate schools and is recognized nationally as No. 30 among the best colleges overall, as well as the second best college in Texas according to WalletHub’s 2025 list. Additionally, the institution has secured two top-10 placements on The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur’s lists for best graduate and undergraduate schools, while Niche has ranked UT Austin as No. 9 among the top public universities in the U.S.

Academic Offerings and Enrollment

UT Austin provides a comprehensive educational experience with over 170 undergraduate degrees across 13 colleges, and currently enrolls around 41,000 students. A significant aspect of the university is its affordability; the average annual cost for attendance is under $19,000, made possible through the Longhorn Fixed Tuition program. This financial accessibility is a key factor for many prospective students.

A Vibrant Campus Community

The large student body at UT Austin fosters a lively sense of community, offering more than 1,000 organizations for students to engage with. The university is categorized as a “Public Ivy,” signifying its high academic standards and its competitive environment among public universities. With a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 8%, UT Austin continues to attract some of the brightest students in the country.

Sports and School Spirit

In addition to academic pursuits, UT Austin boasts a rich tradition in college athletics, particularly football, which is celebrated in Texas culture. The strong football program contributes to the university’s vibrant spirit, complementing its reputation as a leading academic institution.

Conclusion

UT Austin’s consistent recognition in national and global rankings reflects its unwavering commitment to educational excellence and its impact on students’ futures. With an emphasis on affordability, community engagement, and high academic standards, UT Austin remains a top choice for students both in Texas and across the nation.

FAQ

  • What ranking did UT Austin achieve in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Top Colleges?

    UT Austin ranks in the top 10% of colleges listed by Forbes, making it one of the best institutions in the nation.

  • How does UT Austin rank among Texas colleges?

    UT Austin is recognized as the second-best college in Texas, following Rice University.

  • What is the average annual cost of attending UT Austin?

    The average annual cost under the Longhorn Fixed Tuition program is less than $19,000.

  • How many undergraduate degrees does UT Austin offer?

    The university offers over 170 undergraduate degrees across 13 colleges.

  • What is the acceptance rate at UT Austin?

    UT Austin has an acceptance rate of approximately 8%.

Key Features of UT Austin

Feature Details
Forbes Ranking Top 10% of America’s Colleges (2025)
Texas Ranking 2nd in Texas
Global QS Ranking No. 1 in Texas, No. 20 in the U.S., No. 68 Globally
Acceptance Rate Approximately 8%
Student Enrollment Approximately 41,000
Annual Cost Under $19,000
Undergraduate Degrees Offered Over 170
Campus Organizations More than 1,000

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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