Deep in the heart of Texas lies one of the nation’s most legendary rivalries: the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) versus Texas A&M University. With big attitudes and legendary campus lore, both schools have distinct identities with fiercely loyal fan bases. Whether you’re looking for academic prestige, world-class athletic programs, or deeply rooted traditions, UT Austin and Texas A&M both stand as strong pillars of higher education in the Lone Star State.
But how do you choose between these two exceptional universities? For students, the decision goes beyond epic football games and iconic mascots. Picking the “best fit” school means finding a place that aligns with your academic goals, personal values, and future aspirations.
Let’s break down what makes UT Austin and Texas A&M unique to help you uncover which one might be the best fit for you.
How To Find the Best College For You
Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student can make. It’s not just about rankings or reputation. It’s about finding the school where you’ll thrive: academically, socially, and emotionally. At Empowerly, we specialize in helping students identify their unique needs, whether they’re looking for research opportunities, a specific campus vibe, or flexible financial aid options.
Committed to starting your dreams in Texas? For students weighing UT Austin and Texas A&M, factors like campus culture, program strengths, and even location can make all the difference.
This article gives you a good overview, but if you need more help, reach out to Empowerly’s expert staff. Our personalized counseling services help demystify the college application process, guiding you toward the school that’s the perfect match for your individual goals.
A Brief History of UT and Texas A&M
Next, let’s compare the facts. If you’re serious about enrolling in a top school in Texas, UT Austin and Texas A&M are both worth considering. Let’s start with a brief overview of each school:
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is widely recognized for strong business, engineering, and arts programs.
- History: Established in 1883, UT Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas system.
- Public/Private: Public research university
- Mission & Values: UT Austin is committed to academic excellence, innovation, and it prides itself on expanding access to higher education.
- Location: Austin, Texas, a vibrant, eclectic city known for its music scene and tech startups
- Campus Size: Spanning over 430 acres, the urban campus is a mix of historic and modern architecture.
- Size of Student Body: Approximately 52,000 students
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M is renowned for engineering, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, with strong paths to both industrial and research-based careers.
- History: Established in 1876, Texas A&M was the first public university in Texas.
- Public/Private: Public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university
- Mission & Values: Texas A&M is built on a foundation of leadership, service, and integrity.
- Location: College Station, Texas, offering a close-knit college-town atmosphere
- Campus Size: Encompassing over 5,200 acres, it’s one of the largest campuses in the U.S.
- Size of Student Body: Over 79,000 students.
Compare and Contrast
How do these two titans compare to one another? Let’s look deeper into what sets each of these unique campuses apart.
Feature | UT Austin | Texas A&M |
| Tuition (In-State) | $28,628/year | $28,158/year |
| Student Body | 52,000 students | 79,000 students |
| Location | Urban (Austin) | College Town (College Station) |
| Strengths | Business, Engineering, Arts | Engineering, Agriculture, Vet Sciences |
Prestige and Ranking
The University of Texas at Austin is widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier public universities, consistently ranking among the top 10 public institutions in the United States. Its School of Law and McCombs School of Business are especially noteworthy, drawing students from across the globe.
While slightly lower on the rankings scale, Texas A&M University is a powerhouse in its own right, frequently landing in the top 25 public universities. A&M stands out in fields like engineering, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, cementing its reputation as a leader in technical and applied disciplines.
Acceptance Rates
UT Austin’s selective admissions process reflects its elite status, with an acceptance rate of approximately 29%. The competition is particularly fierce for out-of-state applicants and highly sought-after majors like computer science and business.
On the other hand, Texas A&M offers a broader acceptance rate of around 63%, although certain programs—such as engineering—remain highly competitive. Both schools emphasize academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities in their holistic admissions reviews.
Average Cost of Attendance
Cost is a significant factor for many students. For the most accurate numbers, you can use the tuition calculator tool on the schools’ pages to customize your projected bill.
- UT Austin’s in-state tuition averages $28,928 per year, while out-of-state students face costs of approximately $58,176 annually.
- Texas A&M offers slightly lower in-state tuition at $28,158 per year, with out-of-state costs estimated at $55,608 annually.
However, that doesn’t have to be the total amount that you (or your family) end up paying. Both universities are committed to affordability and provide a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support their students. For in-state applicants, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s programs, like the Texas Grant, can further offset expenses.
Sports
Sports are central to campus life at both institutions, but the rivalry runs especially deep in football. UT Austin’s Texas Longhorns have a storied program with a rich history of success. Football game days at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium showcase proud waves of burnt-orange Longhorn pride, but the basketball team is also extremely competitive.
Texas A&M’s Aggies are exceptionally passionate about athletics, with unique traditions, like the 12th Man and Midnight Yell Practice, that serve as a testament to the school’s unmatched spirit. Game days will find the student body at Kyle Field, the fourth-largest stadium in the NCAA (and the largest college stadium in the state).
Whether you’re a Longhorn or an Aggie, you’ll be joining a community of fans who truly take their school spirit to the next level. Get ready to give your best “yee-haw!”
Student Life
The student experience at UT Austin and Texas A&M offers two distinct yet equally vibrant atmospheres. Both universities boast a range of student organizations, Greek life options, and events to keep students engaged and connected.
At UT Austin, students live in the heart of a bustling urban center, with access to live music, the tech industry, and a dynamic arts scene. They can also join organizations like Texas Spirits or the Texas Blazers to connect with peers while serving the community.
In contrast, Texas A&M offers a more traditional, college-town experience in College Station. Here, the focus is on close-knit communities, rich traditions, and a welcoming environment. Texas A&M offers robust leadership programs like Fish Camp, designed to welcome freshmen into Aggie traditions and help them transition into college life.
Student Outcomes
Graduates from both UT Austin and Texas A&M enjoy strong career prospects and access to influential alumni networks.
- UT Austin is celebrated for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It consistently ranks as one of the top schools for producing venture capital-backed entrepreneurs (PitchBook, 2023). Programs like the Texas Innovation Center and the McCombs School of Business regularly rank among the nation’s best (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), further strengthening its reputation as a hub for innovation.
- Texas A&M University graduates, on the other hand, are renowned for their technical expertise and leadership skills. The Dwight Look College of Engineering ranks among the nation’s top engineering programs (ASEE Engineering by the Numbers Report, 2023), while Texas A&M’s agricultural and life sciences programs are among the largest and most respected in the U.S. Additionally, the university has a strong legacy of preparing leaders in public service through its Corps of Cadets, which has produced numerous military and government officials.
Both universities provide robust career services, job fairs, and internship opportunities to set their students up for long-term success. Whether you’re drawn to UT Austin’s entrepreneurial spirit or Texas A&M’s focus on technical fields and leadership, both institutions equip their students with the resources and networks to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
How Do I Choose Between UT Austin vs. Texas A&M?
So, we’ve covered the facts about UT Austin vs. Texas A&M: rankings, costs, campus culture, and outcomes. But which Texas university is the best fit for you? Let’s weigh some of the most important aspects of your college experience to help you make your decision.
Before we continue with the details, though, consider making a list of your individual priorities: academic programs, campus culture, financial aid, and location preferences. Reflecting on your needs as a student will guide you towards your best fit.
Academic Priorities
Your intended major should heavily influence your choice. If your interests lie in technology, liberal arts, or the fine arts, UT Austin’s diverse academic offerings and connections to thriving industries make it an excellent choice. On the other hand, Texas A&M is an ideal destination for students pursuing engineering, agriculture, or veterinary medicine, thanks to its renowned programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Even if you’re undecided, you’ll want to go the extra mile and compare interdisciplinary pathways at each school. UT Austin offers unique programs like Plan II Honors, which combines liberal arts and sciences, while Texas A&M’s Engineering Honors Program allows students to work on industry-sponsored projects. These specialized tracks can provide a distinct edge in competitive job markets.
Cost and Financial Aid
Scholarships and grants can make a substantial difference, so explore all options at both institutions. Both schools provide significant value for in-state students, but whether you are a Texas resident or an out-of-state student, you still have a variety of financial aid opportunities to offset the cost of your education.
Texas A&M is known for its Corps of Cadets scholarships and Aggie Ring programs, while UT Austin offers merit-based awards and grants for academically talented students.
Campus Culture
Consider where you’ll feel most at home. UT Austin’s dynamic, urban environment appeals to students who thrive in fast-paced settings, while Texas A&M’s community-oriented campus offers a more traditional college experience.
Whether you prefer the diversity and opportunities of city life or the close connections and traditions of a smaller town can be a major deciding factor between the schools.
Student Outcomes
Reflect on your long-term goals and how each school aligns with them. Examine career placement rates, industry partnerships, and average starting salaries for graduates in your field of interest. Both UT Austin and Texas A&M have active alumni networks, but their focuses differ: UT Austin’s alumni are often concentrated in entrepreneurial and creative industries, while Texas A&M graduates frequently excel in technical and public service careers.
UT Austin’s alumni include notable figures like Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, and actor Matthew McConaughey, reflecting its diverse strengths in business and the arts. Texas A&M’s alumni have shaped industries through figures like NASA astronaut Michael Fossum and Rex Tillerson, former CEO of ExxonMobil and US Secretary of State.
Final Tip: Visit Both Campuses
There’s no substitute for experiencing campus life firsthand. Schedule visits to both UT Austin and Texas A&M to see which feels like the better fit. Attend information sessions, interact with students and faculty, and explore the surrounding areas to get a sense of the culture. If traveling isn’t feasible, however, you can take advantage of virtual tours and online Q&A sessions to gather valuable insights.
To get the most out of these experiences, prepare specific questions about your academic program, campus life, and housing. Don’t hesitate to ask current students or staff for their honest opinions about day-to-day life on campus. This information will be vital as you make your decision between UT Austin and Texas A&M!
Building a Future in Texas
Both UT Austin and Texas A&M are outstanding institutions that have shaped Texas and the nation. But the right choice comes down to one thing: finding the school where you’ll thrive. At Empowerly, we’re here to help you navigate this life-changing decision.
Empowerly’s expert counselors will guide you through every step of the college admissions process, from planning your school list to making your final decision. And our method is proven to work! 98% of the students who work with Empowerly get into Ivy League and Top 25 universities. Book a consultation with us today to get started!
