AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin began its first day of classes with record demand for admission, a growing student body and potential curriculum changes on the horizon.
UT said the university received more than 100,000 undergraduate applications for this fall’s class, surpassing last year’s record of nearly 91,000 freshman applications. Last fall, that demand helped push UT’s total enrollment to a record 55,000 total students and over 44,000 undergraduate students.
As thousands of students moved into campus and West Campus over the weekend, the cost of attending UT was already a major part of the back-to-school experience. UT estimates an in-state undergraduate living on or off campus could spend between about $32,500 and $35,500 this school year, including tuition, housing, food, transportation, books and other expenses.
POLL | What’s the biggest adjustment for a college freshman?
“It was a pretty big expense. Coming from San Antonio, it’s an hour and 30 minutes. That’s a lot of gas eaten up, and coming into the city, it’s a little more expensive than what we’re used to. So, that with rent,” said Rosemary McDonald, a UT Austin student.
“I think I’ve spent around 1000 bucks before I even step foot on campus,” said Logan Deville, a UT student.
Looking ahead, UT is proposing a new core curriculum for future students. The proposal would increase requirements to 12 from 10, while cutting total core credits to 36 from 42. The university could start offering new core classes in fall 2027, with the new requirements becoming mandatory for a new incoming class in fall 2028. This year’s students are still using the current system, and UT has not yet decided which specific classes will qualify for the new core.
UT also said nearly 150 new faculty members are joining the campus this year.