How to get into The University of Texas at Dallas
How to get into UT Dallas: a strong STEM public where the application is honestly straightforward
65.1%
Acceptance rate
$14,644
In-state cost
$40,144
Out-of-state cost
What makes The University of Texas at Dallas admissions different
UT Dallas is a fast-growing public research university in Richardson with a national reputation in computer science, engineering, business, and neuroscience. It's roughly 22,000 students, with an admit rate around 65% — most applicants who meet the academic floor get in. The big admissions story at UTD is the Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES), an automatic merit award tied to test scores and class rank that effectively determines whether UTD is free or full-price for Texas residents.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through ApplyTexas or the Common App. UTD requires no essay for first-year admission though an optional personal statement is accepted.
- 2.
Submit SAT or ACT scores if you have them. UTD is test-optional but the Academic Excellence Scholarship — a four-year, renewable merit award worth several thousand to full tuition — uses test scores and class rank in its formula.
- 3.
Confirm your high school class rank. Texas residents in the top 10% of their class are eligible for automatic admission to UTD (under the state's top-10% rule). Top 6% rank also matters for AES tiering.
- 4.
Pick your major thoughtfully. Engineering and computer science (the Erik Jonsson School) are the headline programs and have their own scholarship tiers; the Naveen Jindal School of Management admits directly.
- 5.
Apply early. UTD admits on a rolling basis, and AES scholarship offers are pulled from earlier-completed applications first.
- 6.
Consider the Collegium V honors program. Eligible students are invited based on academic record; the program offers honors seminars, study-abroad funding, and a tight community.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Ignoring the AES scholarship math. UTD is meaningfully cheaper for high-stat in-state students because of AES — running the numbers should happen before deciding.
- ✕
Applying late and missing the priority deadline for honors and scholarship consideration.
- ✕
Assuming UTD is a 'safety' without visiting. The campus is suburban, the culture is heavily STEM and pre-professional, and the Dallas job market is part of the value — these are features for some students and a poor fit for others.
- ✕
Picking a less competitive major thinking you can internal-transfer into CS or engineering later — internal switches happen but are not automatic.
The specifics for The University of Texas at Dallas
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) ↗
UTD's AES is an automatic, four-year renewable merit award tied to test scores and class rank. The award tiers range from partial to full tuition coverage and are calculated for all applicants who submit scores by the priority deadline.
Top 10% auto-admission for Texas residents
Under Texas's automatic admission rule, Texas residents in the top 10% of their high school graduating class with required coursework are guaranteed admission to UTD.
Collegium V Honors Program
Collegium V is UTD's honors community offering honors seminars, dedicated advising, study-abroad funding, and access to honors-themed residential housing.
Notable scholarships at The University of Texas at Dallas
National Merit Scholar Program at UTD
UTD has historically been one of the more aggressive recruiters of National Merit Finalists with a full-cost-of-attendance package for NMFs who designate UTD as their first-choice school. Confirm current terms with UTD admissions for your cycle.
What graduates actually do
UT Dallas is a fast-growing public research university with strong programs in computer science, engineering, business analytics, and brain/behavioral sciences. Founded by Texas Instruments executives, UTD maintains close ties to the North Texas technology corridor, feeding TI, AT&T, Raytheon, Capital One, and major Dallas-area tech firms. The Jindal School of Management and Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science are top regional feeders.
Notable alumni
- Sam Lipsyte — Author
- Sarah Saldaña — Former ICE Director
- John Wiley Price — Dallas County Commissioner
Transfer pathway
65% transfer acceptance rate
UT Dallas honors the Texas Common Course Numbering System and Texas Field of Study Curriculum, with formal articulation agreements with Dallas College (formerly Dallas County Community College District), Collin College, and Tarrant County College. The Comet Connection program guarantees admission to AA graduates with 3.0+ GPA from partner colleges. Engineering and computer science transfers need 3.2+ GPA in math/science prerequisites. Up to 66 credits transfer from two-year institutions.
Articulation partners
Dallas College · Collin College · Tarrant County College · Richland College · North Lake College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
If you're a Texas resident with a B+ transcript and reasonable test scores, UTD is highly likely to admit you and probably to offer meaningful merit aid through AES. The real decision is whether UTD's STEM-heavy, suburban, research-university culture is what you want — and whether the AES math makes it the most affordable strong option in Texas.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.