AUSTIN, Texas – A New Era for UT Austin: Record-Breaking Numbers
After nearly a month of classes, the University of Texas at Austin is shining brighter than ever this fall! Exciting news is buzzing around campus as the university figures reveal a stunning rise in applications, enrollments, and graduation rates. If you’ve been following the trends, you know this year is particularly special for the Longhorn family!
Skyrocketing Applications
Let’s kick things off with the applications. UT Austin has seen an increase of over 10% compared to the previous academic year. Can you believe it? More than 72,000 students tossed their hats in the ring to become first-year students this year! Of those enthusiastic applicants, around 9,200 have officially joined the Longhorn community. That’s a lot of new faces excited to learn and grow!
Record-Breaking Enrollment
Enrollment numbers reflect this excitement as well! There’s been a notable 1.5% increase in total enrollment across the university. Even more impressive is the freshman retention rate, which has soared to a whopping 96.7%. That means students are finding their place at UT and choosing to stick around for the long haul.
A Positive Change in Housing Costs
One of the big highlights this year is the housing costs. Thanks to the housing scholarship program introduced in 2023, students hailing from low and middle-income backgrounds are feeling less financial pressure. This initiative has played a key role in making living situations more affordable for students—something that’s always appreciated on a college budget.
Performing Better than Ever
UT Austin President Jay Hartzell couldn’t have been more thrilled about these stats. He mentioned that the demand for UT is at an all-time high. But it’s not just about getting students in the door; it’s about what happens once they arrive. They are performing better than ever, graduating sooner, and taking on less debt. Isn’t that great news?
Graduation Rates on the Rise
Speaking of graduation, it’s inspiring to note that from 2013 to 2024, the four-year graduation rates have surged from around 52% to an impressive 74.8%. This increase spans across various demographics, with notable growth among students eligible for Pell grants, Black, Hispanic, and first-generation undergraduates. Clearly, UT Austin is committed to making education accessible for everybody!
Diversity at UT Austin
As for the demographics of the student body, it’s heartening to see diversity thriving. Hispanic students now make up about 25.5% of the population. Asian students account for 22.4%, and Black students represent 5.4%. All these numbers paint a picture of a vibrant community enriched by diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Affordability is Key
Lastly, let’s talk finances. The average net school fees have decreased by a remarkable 29% compared to 2020. This drop is particularly beneficial for those who qualify for Pell grants, including students participating in the UT for Me program. Easing the financial burden helps pave the way for more students to focus on what really matters—learning and achieving their goals.
Looking Ahead
These figures were compiled on the 12th day of the 2024 fall semester, and if they are any indication, UT Austin is heading into a bright future. With high demand, improved graduation rates, and a commitment to student affordability, it’s clear that the university is making significant strides toward being a leader in education. Here’s to a fantastic academic year ahead!
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.
