Austin, Texas, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has secured a No. 30 ranking among U.S. universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges,’ maintaining its position from last year. As the second-best university in Texas, UT Austin is ranked No. 7 among public universities nationwide and offers 24 top 10 undergraduate programs. The university’s competitive acceptance rate stands at 29%, with in-state tuition set at $11,678. Other accolades from Forbes and LinkedIn further emphasize its reputation for academic excellence and career success.
AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has secured a No. 30 nationwide ranking among U.S. universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges.” This ranking reflects a year of stability for the institution, maintaining its No. 30 position from the previous year after a decline to No. 32 two years prior. UT Austin continues to lead as the second-best university in Texas, only surpassed by Rice University, which is ranked No. 17.
In the public university category, UT Austin is particularly strong, achieving a No. 7 ranking nationwide. These distinctions underscore the university’s dedication to academic excellence and the diverse array of programs it offers.
UT Austin has a competitive acceptance rate of 29%, and the annual in-state tuition and fees are set at $11,678. The university boasts 24 undergraduate programs that rank in the top 10 of their respective categories. Among the standout programs are accounting, marketing, finance, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering, all of which positioned themselves within the top five rankings.
Recognition for UT Austin extends beyond the U.S. News rankings. The university has received accolades from other prominent national education rankings, including Forbes and The Princeton Review. Additionally, UT Austin was listed in LinkedIn’s inaugural ranking of universities focused on long-term career success, coming in at No. 46.
The methodology utilized by U.S. News involved several key metrics, evaluating colleges based on factors such as graduation rates, student outcomes, peer assessments, and financial metrics, with over half the weight attributed to student outcomes. The rankings have garnered both attention for enhancing college visibility and criticism concerning their influence on student experience and equity.
As UT Austin continues to perform well within various national and state rankings, it reinforces its reputation as a competitive institution that provides quality education while being mindful of student experience and success.
Key Features of UT Austin’s Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank | Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Ranking | No. 30 | Tied with other universities, second best in Texas |
| Public University Ranking | No. 7 | Among public institutions nationwide |
| Acceptance Rate | 29% | Competitive admission into programs |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $11,678 | Annual cost for residents |
| Top 10 Undergraduate Programs | 24 programs | Strong academic offerings across various fields |
| LinkedIn Ranking | No. 46 | For long-term career success |
FAQ
What is the national ranking of the University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is ranked No. 30 nationally among U.S. universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges.”
How does UT Austin rank among public universities?
In the public university category, UT Austin is ranked No. 7 nationwide.
What is the acceptance rate of UT Austin?
The university has a competitive acceptance rate of 29%.
What is the annual in-state tuition for UT Austin?
Annual in-state tuition and fees at UT Austin are $11,678.
How many undergraduate programs are ranked in the top 10 at UT Austin?
A total of 24 undergraduate programs at UT Austin ranked in the top 10 of their respective categories.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- WFAA
- Google Search: University of Texas at Austin rankings
- CultureMap Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas at Austin
- KVUE
- Google News: UT Austin public university ranking
- Dallas News
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