Austin, September 15, 2025

News Summary

The University of Texas at Austin has been recognized as the 46th best college in the nation, according to Forbes’ latest rankings. This achievement positions UT Austin within the top 10% of U.S. colleges. Evaluated among 500 institutions, UT Austin shines as a leading Texas university, ranking second only to Rice University. Its impressive acceptance rate of 29% and a student population of nearly 56,000 reflects its commitment to quality education. Noteworthy events like the Forty Acres Fest and the achievements of its notable alumni further enhance the vibrant campus culture.

Austin

The University of Texas at Austin has secured its place among the top colleges in the nation, ranking 46th on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Top Colleges. This prestigious ranking places UT Austin within the top 10% of U.S. colleges, reflecting its commitment to quality education and positive outcomes for its students.

Forbes evaluated a total of 500 colleges based on 14 key metrics, focusing on educational quality, financial viability, and career prospects for undergraduates. Among Texas institutions, UT Austin stands out as the second-best college, right behind Rice University in Houston.

In addition to its overall ranking, UT Austin has received significant recognition for other achievements. It ranks 60th for best employers by state, 39th among research universities, and 9th among colleges in the South. Furthermore, a recent survey identified Austin as one of the top 10 college football towns in the country, showcasing the vibrant campus culture associated with athletics.

Student Population and Financials

With an acceptance rate of 29%, UT Austin serves a large undergraduate population of nearly 56,000 students. The estimated total annual cost for students to attend is $62,672, which includes tuition and fees. To support students financially, the university offers an average grant aid of $12,060, allowing many to manage expenses more effectively. Graduates leave UT Austin with an average debt of approximately $6,066, aligning with the university’s efforts to minimize student financial burdens.

Events and Traditions

UT Austin enriches student life with annual events like Forty Acres Fest, which features numerous student organizations, live music, food, and entertainment. Another popular event, Texas Revue, is a talent show offering a grand prize of $1,500. The school’s pride is symbolized by the UT Tower, which lights up in orange after each sports victory, celebrating the achievements of its athletic teams.

Notable Alumni and Career Success

Highlighted among its distinguished alumni are individuals such as Matthew McConaughey, Owen Wilson, former First Lady Laura Bush, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. In addition to its overall educational ranking, UT Austin is also placed 46th on LinkedIn’s ranking of the top 50 U.S. colleges for long-term career success, evaluated based on job placement rates and alumni advancement.

In addition to UT Austin, several other Texas institutions have also made their mark in Forbes’ rankings. Texas A&M University ranks 61st, while Trinity University is positioned at 82nd. Other Texas colleges included in the top 500 are UT Dallas (No. 126), UT Arlington (No. 253), UT San Antonio (No. 272), UT El Paso (No. 280), and St. Edward’s University at 437th.

Top Colleges Overview

The top five schools in Forbes’ 2025 overall ranking include Princeton University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University, and University of California, Berkeley. Princeton retains its first-place position for the second consecutive year, underscoring its status as a leading institution in higher education.

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Additional Resources

• Statesman: UT Austin Best Colleges
• Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
• CultureMap: UT Austin Forbes Ranking
• Google Search: University of Texas at Austin
• KVUE: UT Austin Forbes Ranking
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College

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.