Austin, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has maintained its reputation in higher education, securing the No. 30 national ranking for 2026. This achievement marks a significant improvement as it rises from No. 32 in 2023. Recognized as the second-best university in Texas, UT Austin excels among public universities at No. 7 nationally. With a competitive acceptance rate of 29% and affordable tuition for in-state students at $11,678, the institution continues to attract a diverse cohort of students committed to academic excellence and career success.
Austin
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has made significant strides in the education sector, earning recognition as one of the best universities in the United States for 2026 according to U.S. News and World Report. UT Austin is ranked No. 30 nationally, maintaining this position for the second consecutive year after moving up from a previous ranking of No. 32 in 2023. This ranking positions UT Austin as the second-best university in Texas, surpassed only by Rice University in Houston.
Among public universities, UT Austin excels, claiming the No. 7 position nationally in the category of Top Public Schools. This achievement showcases the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education to its students.
UT Austin has a competitive acceptance rate of 29%, indicating the university’s selectiveness in admitting students. For in-state students, tuition and fees amount to $11,678 per year, making it a more affordable option for Texas residents.
Academic Excellence
UT Austin is renowned for its exceptional graduate programs, particularly in business and engineering, consistently ranking among the best in separate U.S. News graduate school rankings. In addition to the recent recognition, Forbes listed UT Austin as one of the top universities for 2025, and it gained a spot in The Princeton Review’s “hall of fame” list of the best U.S. colleges for 2026.
Four other universities in the Austin area received commendations, with St. Edward’s University ranking No. 5 in the regional ranking of Best Universities in the West for 2026. Concordia University also made its mark, ranking 103rd in a tie with National University of California. Meanwhile, Southwestern University tied with seven other U.S. universities, landing the No. 84 position in the U.S. News 2026 ranking of Liberal Arts Colleges. Lastly, Huston-Tillotson University was recognized as 20th in the regional rankings of Best Colleges in the West for 2026 and celebrated a historic donation of $150 million from the Moody Foundation.
Career Success and Recognition
UT Austin also made headlines with its inclusion in LinkedIn’s first-ever ranking of the 50 best U.S. colleges for long-term career success at No. 46. This ranking highlights the university’s commitment to post-graduate employment and success based on alumni data, considering factors like job placement rates and pre-graduation internships. Other Texas universities in this ranking include Rice University at No. 31 and Southern Methodist University at No. 37.
Ranking Methodology
The U.S. News rankings evaluate nearly 1,700 colleges and universities based on 17 metrics that measure academic quality, including resources, graduation rates, retention rates, and graduates’ debt levels. UT Austin’s undergraduate programs excelled, with nearly all evaluated programs being recognized as the best in Texas. In total, 24 of UT Austin’s programs are ranked among the top 10 in their specific fields, further showcasing its prestige and academic standards.
Among its top programs, UT Austin ranks No. 11 in Engineering Programs, No. 6 in Business Programs (tie), and No. 9 in Computer Science Programs (tie), underscoring the institution’s diverse and high-caliber offerings.
Conclusion
Overall, the University of Texas at Austin continues to uphold its status as a leading educational institution, attracting students not only for its academic rigor but also for its affordability and post-graduation success.
FAQ
What is UT Austin’s national ranking for 2026?
UT Austin is ranked No. 30 nationally, maintaining this position for the second consecutive year.
How does UT Austin rank compared to other Texas universities?
UT Austin is recognized as Texas’ second-best university, outperforming all others except for Rice University.
What is the acceptance rate of UT Austin?
UT Austin has a competitive acceptance rate of 29%.
What is the in-state tuition for UT Austin?
The in-state tuition and fees for UT Austin students is $11,678 per year.
How does UT Austin rank in specific academic programs?
Among the top programs, UT Austin ranks No. 11 in Engineering Programs, No. 6 in Business Programs (tie), and No. 9 in Computer Science Programs (tie).
Key Features of UT Austin Rankings
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| National Ranking (2026) | No. 30 |
| Texas Ranking | Second-best, behind Rice University |
| Acceptance Rate | 29% |
| In-state Tuition | $11,678/year |
| Top Public Schools Ranking | No. 7 |
| Top Engineering Program | No. 11 |
| Top Business Program | No. 6 (tie) |
| Top Computer Science Program | No. 9 (tie) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: U.S. News Rankings
- CultureMap Austin: UT Austin Best Colleges 2026
- KVUE: UT Austin No. 1 Public University in Texas
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas at Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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