The University of Texas at Dallas logo

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX Public ยท Urban Est. 1969 www.utdallas.edu
Accept Rate
65.46%
Grad Rate
70.2%
Enrollment
21,317
Avg SAT
1300
Tuition
$14,564
Median Salary
$68,227
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Texas at Dallas has the relentless, future-focused energy of a tech startup housed in a major research university. The campus feels like a hub of innovation, where students are constantly building, coding, and collaborating, driven by a shared ambition to land internships and launch careers in the booming Dallas metroplex.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

65.46%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 130075th Pctl
11701410
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
2532
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your quantitative and technical skills in your application, especially if applying to the highly competitive Computer Science or Engineering programs. UT Dallas heavily considers test scores and GPA in its holistic review, so aim for scores at or above their 1300 SAT average. If you're a Texas resident, strongly consider applying for the AES (Academic Excellence Scholarship) program for guaranteed merit aid."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1300
40080012001600
School range: 1170โ€“1410

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UT Dallas is an academic powerhouse in STEM and business, particularly renowned for its top-tier Computer Science and Engineering programs. The curriculum is rigorous and career-oriented, with abundant research opportunities through the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Naveen Jindal School of Management.

Popular Majors

Computer Science
21.7%
Business & Marketing
18.6%
Biology & Biomedical
13.7%
Engineering
12.7%
Health Professions
7.6%
Psychology
6.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
6.8%
Social Sciences
4.1%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3%
Physical Sciences
1.5%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

70.2%
Graduation Rate
88.1%
Retention Rate
21,317
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,564
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$17,435
After financial aid
Total Cost
$28,210
Cost of attendance/year
29.7%
Receive Pell Grants
35.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Richardson

While the campus is in a suburban setting, students often head to nearby Dallas for vibrant nightlife, concerts, and diverse dining. On campus and within walking distance, students frequent the student union, on-campus recreation center, and local spots in the adjacent Telecom Corridor for food and entertainment.

Local Rent Check

$1,291 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Richardson
Explore Richardson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$58,256
$0Est. 4 Years: $58,256

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($68,227):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The UT Dallas campus is generally considered safe with a dedicated, professional police force and well-lit pathways. The surrounding Richardson area is a safe, established suburb of Dallas, though students should always practice standard urban safety precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Elite and highly-ranked programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business.
  • โœ“ Prime location in the Dallas 'Telecom Corridor' with exceptional internship and job opportunities.
  • โœ“ Generous merit-based financial aid (AES) for both in-state and out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ A diverse and highly ambitious student body focused on STEM and business careers.

Cons

  • โœ— The campus and surrounding area can feel suburban and lacks a traditional 'college town' atmosphere.
  • โœ— Social life is more activity and organization-based rather than centered around Greek life or sports.
  • โœ— Some non-STEM majors may receive fewer resources and less national recognition compared to the core tech programs.

Notable Alumni

Jorge L. Bueno
Chief Financial Officer of Fluor Corporation, a global engineering and construction firm.
Bob Fontaine
Former CEO and President of the San Diego Padres baseball organization.
David A. Viniar
Former Chief Financial Officer of Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

UT Dallas is most famous for its world-class programs in Computer Science, Engineering (especially through the Erik Jonsson School), and Business (Naveen Jindal School). It is a rising research powerhouse with a strong focus on technology and innovation, situated in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

With an acceptance rate of approximately 65%, UT Dallas is considered a moderately selective school. While not as competitive as some Ivy League or top-tier publics, admission to its most popular programs like Computer Science and Engineering is significantly more difficult and requires a strong academic profile, including a GPA above 3.8 and an SAT score around 1300 or higher.

Campus life at UT Dallas is vibrant but uniquely driven by academics and career goals. Students are heavily involved in a wide range of student organizations, research projects, and competitive hackathons. The social scene is less about traditional college parties and more about student-led events, club activities, and exploring the diverse offerings of the greater Dallas area.

For in-state students, absolutely. The combination of a top-tier education in high-demand fields and a relatively low tuition of $14,564 provides an outstanding return on investment, reflected in strong post-graduation earnings. For out-of-state students, the value is excellent if you are awarded significant merit scholarships; otherwise, the high sticker price requires careful financial consideration.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Texas Instruments AT&T IBM Capital One Raytheon Technologies
Smart Start Score
73

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1969
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 22,941
  • In-State Tuition $14,564
  • Out-of-State $40,064
  • Zip Code 75080

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 56.5% โ™€ 43.5%

The Money Talk

For in-state students, UT Dallas offers a high-value education with a total cost under $30,000 annually, which is a strong investment considering the 10-year median earnings of $68,227. Out-of-state tuition is steep, but the university's merit scholarship programs like AES can significantly reduce the cost, making it competitive with other public flagships.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,564
Housing (12 mo) $15,492
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $37,256
With avg financial aid:
$17,435/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.