UT Dallas is a public research university in Richardson, just north of Dallas. Its strengths in computing, engineering, business, and other technology-related fields attract applicants from across Texas, the United States, and overseas.
But how difficult is it to get into UT Dallas? What GPA or SAT score is competitive? Does graduating in the top 10% of a Texas high school guarantee admission? And why does the December 1 deadline matter even though the university uses rolling admissions?
This guide answers those questions using UT Dallas’s published Common Data Set, current undergraduate admissions rules, and institution-specific information that matters when planning an application.
The latest complete official Common Data Set reports a 69.1% first-year acceptance rate for Fall 2025. The University of Texas at Dallas received 36,353 first-year applications, admitted 25,115 students, and enrolled 4,948.
The published middle-50% SAT range among enrolled students who submitted scores was 1170–1390, while the corresponding ACT composite range was 24–32. UT Dallas is test-optional, and the university does not report a single verified average high school GPA for that entering class.
As of October 15, 2026, these are the latest complete admission figures verified in UT Dallas’s institutional reporting. The final Fall 2026 acceptance rate should not be assumed to equal the earlier cohort’s 69.1%.
UT Dallas Acceptance Rate: Official Fall 2025 Admissions Statistics
The university’s Common Data Set is the most useful starting point for understanding general first-year admission because it reports applicants, admission offers, and actual enrollment within the same entering class.
| Fall 2025 admission measure | Official figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| First-year applicants | 36,353 | Applicants whose files were counted in the admission cycle. |
| Applicants admitted | 25,115 | Students who received admission offers. |
| First-year students enrolled | 4,948 | Students who entered UT Dallas. |
| Acceptance rate | 69.1% | 25,115 divided by 36,353. |
| Enrollment yield | 19.7% | 4,948 divided by 25,115. |
The distinction between acceptance rate and enrollment yield matters. Almost seven out of ten applicants received admission offers, but only around one in five admitted students enrolled.
An admitted student might choose UT Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston, UNT, a private university, or another institution with a preferred major, financial aid offer, or location.
Is UT Dallas hard to get into?
UT Dallas is moderately selective overall. However, its applicant pool includes students with substantial academic preparation, and its engineering, computer science, and business programs can attract especially strong applicants.
A 69.1% overall admit rate is not a promise of admission to every applicant or every academic program.
The University of Texas at Dallas, in Richardson, is a separate institution from the University of Texas at Arlington and the private University of Dallas in Irving. Their admission rates, assured-admission rules, scholarship programs, and test-score distributions should never be combined.
UT Dallas Acceptance Rate Trends: 2024 vs 2025
The two most recent complete institutional admission reports show an increase in both applications and admission offers.
| Entering class | Applications | Admitted | Acceptance rate | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 31,789 | 20,704 | 65.1% | 4,196 |
| Fall 2025 | 36,353 | 25,115 | 69.1% | 4,948 |
Change in the first-year admission rate
Historical admission rates calculated from the university’s Common Data Sets. Bars use a 100% scale.
Applications rose by approximately 14.4% from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025. Admission offers increased by about 21.3%, resulting in an admit-rate rise of four percentage points.
This demonstrates why a search result displaying a 65% acceptance rate may not be wrong historically, but it is less current than the Fall 2025 report.
It also shows why admission rates should not be used as a substitute for reviewing the current academic preparation requirements.
Official archives: UT Dallas Common Data Sets.
UT Dallas Acceptance Rates for Texas, Out-of-State, and International Students
UT Dallas’s Fall 2025 report breaks down applications and admission offers by where the applicant lived at the time of applying.
| Applicant group | Applied | Admitted | Calculated admit rate | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas residents | 28,758 | 20,491 | 71.3% | 4,640 |
| Other U.S. states | 3,760 | 2,568 | 68.3% | 205 |
| International applicants | 3,835 | 2,056 | 53.6% | 103 |
| All applicants | 36,353 | 25,115 | 69.1% | 4,948 |
The international admission rate was substantially lower than the overall average. Texas residents had a slightly higher observed admission rate than applicants from other U.S. states.
These are population statistics, not personal admission probabilities. Differences in academic qualifications, intended majors, school systems, application completion, and other factors may affect each applicant group.
Does being a Texas resident help?
Texas applicants can benefit from state-specific admission provisions, particularly the Texas Top 10% automatic admission rule for qualifying students.
Residency is also important for tuition classification, but simply living in Texas does not guarantee general admission.
If your school reports class rank, obtain an official rank statement before applying. Students from Richardson, Plano, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, and other communities should check whether they qualify for the Top 10% rule rather than relying only on a GPA estimate.
What GPA Do You Need to Get Into UT Dallas?
UT Dallas does not publish a universal minimum high school GPA for general first-year admission, and its current Common Data Set does not establish a verified average high school GPA for the Fall 2025 entering class.
The university evaluates high school GPA and class rank alongside coursework, academic trends, preparation for the intended major, and additional information submitted with the application.
How important is GPA?
UT Dallas’s holistic admissions criteria specifically consider grades in academic coursework and trends in performance.
A strong cumulative GPA is useful, but the courses behind that GPA matter. An applicant planning to major in computer science or engineering should pay particular attention to mathematics and science preparation.
Academic performance
Consistent high grades in core subjects help demonstrate readiness for university coursework. UT Dallas considers the complete academic record rather than treating GPA as a standalone guarantee.
Course rigor
AP, IB, honors, and dual-credit courses can demonstrate academic challenge when those opportunities are available and appropriate for the student.
Can you get into UT Dallas with a 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 GPA?
| Unweighted GPA example | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|
| 3.8–4.0 | Strong grades that can support a competitive application. Intended-major preparation, class rank, and supplemental materials still matter. |
| 3.5–3.79 | Potentially strong academic preparation. Examine the rigor of your courses and your performance in subjects connected to your chosen major. |
| 3.0–3.49 | Admission may remain possible, but the total academic record and intended program become particularly important. |
| Below 3.0 | Consider UT Dallas an ambitious option and discuss academic improvement or alternative pathways with an admissions counselor. |
These are practical planning categories, not official UTD admission probability bands or guaranteed GPA thresholds.
Some college-information websites publish an estimated UT Dallas average GPA. The Fall 2025 institutional Common Data Set does not provide a complete high school GPA distribution or an average that can be confidently labeled the official figure for this cohort.
For students applying in 2026, class rank, rigor, and actual academic results offer more reliable context than an unsupported average-GPA claim.
Does high school class rank matter?
Yes. The university’s Common Data Set shows that among enrolled students whose high schools reported class rank:
| Class rank among reporting students | Fall 2025 percentage |
|---|---|
| Top 10% | 38% |
| Top 25% | 70% |
| Top 50% | 94% |
| Submitted high school rank | 57% of entering students |
Because only 57% of entering students had reported rank data, it would be incorrect to state that 94% of the entire class graduated in the top half.
UT Dallas SAT and ACT Requirements for 2026
The University of Texas at Dallas is test-optional. First-year applicants may choose to have their application reviewed without SAT or ACT scores.
Applicants who submit testing should understand that the published score ranges describe enrolled students who provided results, not all applicants.
| Fall 2025 enrolled-student test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT composite | 1170 | 1290 | 1390 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 580 | 640 | 690 |
| SAT Math | 580 | 650 | 710 |
| ACT composite | 24 | 28 | 32 |
| ACT Math | 23 | 27 | 31 |
| ACT English | 23 | 28 | 34 |
How many UT Dallas freshmen submitted scores?
SAT submissions
79%
3,900 enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores.
ACT submissions
12%
588 enrolled first-year students submitted ACT scores.
Should you submit a 1100, 1250, or 1450 SAT?
A 1450 SAT exceeds the published 75th percentile of 1390 among Fall 2025 score submitters. It may provide strong supporting academic evidence.
A score near 1250 falls within the reported middle range. Whether it strengthens your application depends on the academic record and intended major.
A score around 1100 is below the reported 25th percentile. If your school grades and course rigor provide a stronger academic picture, applying without testing may be worth considering.
Is test-optional admission the same as scholarship review?
Not entirely. UT Dallas automatically considers students who complete their applications by December 1 for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
The AES committee considers academic achievement, course rigor, class rank, optional submitted test results, and supplemental information. A student applying without testing can still be reviewed, but should follow the test-optional instructions and provide helpful optional materials where appropriate.
If your grades and academic record are very strong but your standardized-test results are unusually low, UT Dallas permits a test-optional application. If your SAT or ACT provides positive evidence of academic readiness, submitting it may help.
Official resources: UT Dallas Freshman Admission Criteria and Academic Excellence Scholarship Review.
Texas Top 10% Automatic Admission at UT Dallas
Texas high school students should understand UT Dallas’s automatic admission provisions because they are different from the general holistic review process.
Under Texas Education Code Section 51.803, UT Dallas provides automatic first-year admission for qualifying graduates in the top 10% of their Texas high school graduating class.
Who qualifies?
The university states that the applicant must:
- Graduate in the top 10% of their class from an accredited Texas high school.
- Complete the required Distinguished Level of Achievement under the applicable Texas graduation program.
- Have graduated within the two school years preceding the academic year of intended entry.
- Meet the rule’s restrictions concerning college-level coursework completed after high school graduation.
Qualifying students may still have to complete preparatory or developmental coursework if the university identifies gaps in college readiness.
A student admitted under the Texas Top 10% rule should still submit the required application documents and meet scholarship deadlines. It is also important to verify requirements and available capacity for specialized academic opportunities.
What if you are in the top 11% or your school does not report class rank?
Applicants outside the automatic admission route are evaluated through UT Dallas’s holistic review.
The university can consider academic GPA, curriculum strength, trends in grades, intended-major preparation, and supplemental materials.
An applicant at an unranked high school is not automatically disqualified. The admissions office evaluates the available school and academic information.
Official policy: Freshman Admission Criteria and Texas Top 10% Rule.
High School Course Requirements and College Preparation
UT Dallas’s latest Common Data Set includes a college-preparatory subject distribution. The university reports 18 total required academic units and 20 recommended units under its standardized reporting categories.
| High school subject | Required units | Recommended units |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 | 4 |
| Science | 4 | 4 |
| World language | 2 | 3 |
| Social studies | 3 | 4 |
| Visual/performing arts | 1 | 1 |
| Total academic units | 18 | 20 |
The CDS additionally indicates that three science units should be laboratory sciences.
These general subject expectations should be read alongside the Texas graduation requirements and any major-specific university guidance.
Advice for computer science and engineering applicants
Students targeting computing, engineering, physics, mathematics, or quantitative business programs should prepare with the strongest appropriate mathematics sequence available at their high school.
Completing advanced mathematics, such as precalculus or calculus when available, may make the transition into university coursework smoother.
An AP Computer Science class can demonstrate interest, but it does not replace foundational mathematics preparation.
What if your high school has limited advanced courses?
UT Dallas explicitly considers course rigor in the context of academic opportunities.
A student at a school offering few AP or IB courses can still present a strong application through consistent grades, available advanced work, and thoughtful explanations of academic interests.
UT Dallas Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Honors Admissions
UT Dallas offers degrees through academic schools including the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, the Naveen Jindal School of Management, and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Its general Common Data Set reports a university-wide acceptance rate, not separately matched first-year acceptance rates for each major.
Computer Science
Strong preparation in mathematics and analytical problem-solving is useful. Students should review the degree plan, introductory programming sequence, and math prerequisites before assuming their chosen coursework will meet major expectations.
Engineering
Applicants benefit from rigorous mathematics and physical science preparation. The specific prerequisites can differ among mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and other engineering disciplines.
Business and Finance
Students interested in the Naveen Jindal School of Management should consider their mathematics preparation and examine the requirements of their specific business program.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Future physics, biology, mathematics, and related majors should take the appropriate science and quantitative coursework available at their school.
What is the UT Dallas Computer Science acceptance rate?
The published Common Data Set does not establish a separate Fall 2025 first-year Computer Science acceptance percentage. The university-wide 69.1% rate should not be reused as a verified CS rate.
Similarly, a specific Engineering or Jindal School of Management acceptance percentage should only be presented when official program-level applicant and admission totals are available for the same entry year.
Hobson Wildenthal Honors College
UT Dallas’s Honors College includes specialized opportunities, including Collegium V and other academic programs.
Admission to the university is separate from some Honors College applications.
For Fall 2027 entrants, the Collegium V application became available August 1, 2026. Applicants must follow the specific Honors College instructions rather than assume the ordinary university application automatically submits every honors requirement.
National Merit Scholars
UT Dallas also publishes a dedicated National Merit Scholars pathway.
Students eligible for the related scholarship and program should review the National Merit Scholarship Corporation first-choice designation requirements and the university’s applicable deadline.
Begin with the actual degree you want. Honors admission can add seminars, research opportunities, or a particular academic community, but it should complement rather than replace the decision about your intended career and academic interests.
Official resource: UT Dallas Honors College Applications.
UT Dallas Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
Students applying during late 2026 are generally preparing for Fall 2027 entry. UT Dallas uses a rolling admissions process with a scholarship-priority deadline.
| Fall 2027 application milestone | Published date | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Common App and ApplyTexas open | August 1, 2026 | Applicants can begin and submit the university application. |
| Priority application deadline | December 1, 2026 | Completed applications receive earlier admission review and AES scholarship consideration. |
| Regular fall deadline | May 1, 2027 | Standard completed-application deadline for Fall 2027 entry. |
| Financial aid priority deadline | January 15 under the university’s published general aid guidance | Complete the FAFSA early and verify the applicable award-year date. |
Does UT Dallas offer Early Decision?
No. The current Common Data Set reports no binding Early Decision plan.
Does UT Dallas offer Early Action?
No formal nonbinding Early Action plan is reported in the Common Data Set either.
The December 1 date is a priority application and scholarship deadline. Although applicants who apply by then may receive an earlier decision, that is not the same as a separately administered Early Action admission round.
What happens if you apply after May 1?
UT Dallas says it may continue reviewing complete applications submitted after the regular deadline, but it cannot guarantee a decision in time for fall enrollment.
This is not a reason to rely on late application. Documents, processing, course registration, and housing can all become more difficult as the start of the semester approaches.
Students seeking an Academic Excellence Scholarship should aim to complete the entire application—including required transcripts and fee or waiver—well before December 1, 2026. Beginning the application on December 1 is not the same as completing the file by that date.
Official source: Freshman Deadlines and Fees.
How to Apply to UT Dallas: Step-by-Step
UT Dallas accepts applications through Common App and ApplyTexas. A submitted application is not fully ready for review until required supporting documents and payment or an approved waiver have been received.
Select the correct applicant type
Students who completed dual-credit, AP, IB, or college courses while in high school generally apply as first-time freshmen. Students completing college coursework after the summer following high school graduation usually apply as transfers.
Complete the university application
Apply through Common App or ApplyTexas. Provide accurate information about schools attended, academic interests, activities, and background.
Submit official transcripts
Arrange for your high school to send the required official academic records. Include accurate information about rank where available.
Choose the test-score review option
Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores or indicate that they want review without testing. Follow the current application instructions carefully.
Consider an essay, resume, and recommendations
Supplemental materials are generally optional but encouraged. UT Dallas allows up to three recommendations and considers essays and resumes for admission and scholarship review.
Pay the application fee or obtain a waiver
The freshman application fee is $75. Eligible students can request a waiver using UT Dallas’s published procedures.
Check the Orion Applicant Center
Use the university’s applicant portal to monitor missing documents, application status, and admissions updates. UT Dallas reviews completed applications on a rolling basis.
What should you write in an optional UT Dallas essay?
The university does not require every freshman to submit the same long personal statement, but an optional essay can provide useful information about your academic interests, development, or life experiences.
For example, a prospective data science student who helped organize information for a school or community project could explain the problem, the decisions made, and what the experience taught them about data.
That is more convincing than simply writing, “I am passionate about technology and want to attend a famous university.”
Are recommendation letters useful?
They can be useful when written by someone who knows your academic work or accomplishments well.
A detailed recommendation from a teacher who understands your performance in mathematics, science, writing, or another relevant subject is generally more informative than a generic recommendation from a distant acquaintance.
Official steps: Freshman Application Process.
UT Dallas Transfer Acceptance Rate and Assured Transfer Admission
UT Dallas accepts transfers in the fall, spring, and summer terms. The university’s transfer pathway differs from first-year admission, with separate requirements and assured-admission options.
Fall 2025 transfer admission statistics
Transfer acceptance rate
61.1%
3,275 transfer applicants admitted from 5,360 applications.
Transfer students enrolled
1,911
Fall 2025 entering transfer students reported in the Common Data Set.
Assured transfer admission: Option 1
UT Dallas publishes an assured transfer admission route for applicants who meet all of these requirements:
- At least 42 transferable credit hours.
- A cumulative transferable GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Fewer than 90 total attempted college hours across institutions.
- Good standing at the most recently attended institution.
Assured transfer admission: Comet Connection
Another option applies to students who participate in Comet Connection and complete a qualifying associate degree, such as an AA, AS, or AAT, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and satisfactory college standing.
Comet Connection partners include two-year colleges throughout Texas.
Transfer admission deadlines
| Transfer entry term | Domestic application deadline | International application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 | May 1 |
| Spring | November 1 | October 1 |
| Summer | May 1 | March 1 |
Dallas College and Collin College transfer advice
Students attending Dallas College or Collin College should examine Comet Connection before choosing a semester’s classes.
UT Dallas publishes transfer plans that help students determine which community college courses are suitable for their intended bachelor’s degree.
This can be especially useful for computing, engineering, business, and science majors where lower-division course sequences affect graduation timing.
Before enrolling in a class at Dallas College or Collin College, check that it transfers into your chosen UT Dallas degree plan—not simply that it counts as college credit.
A completed course can transfer as an elective without replacing a specific major requirement.
Official transfer resources: Transfer Criteria, Transfer Deadlines, and Comet Connection.
UT Dallas Acceptance Rate and Requirements for International Students
UT Dallas’s Fall 2025 Common Data Set reports 3,835 international first-year applications and 2,056 admission offers.
That produces a calculated 53.6% international applicant admission rate.
The figure represents the international applicant group overall. It does not establish separate acceptance rates for Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Nigerian, or other individual nationalities.
English language proficiency
UT Dallas requires international applicants from non-native English-speaking countries to demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.
| Approved proficiency test | Published minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80, under the published scoring requirements |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
| PTE Academic | 67 |
| ELS Language Centers | Successful completion of Level 112 |
Scores generally must be recent and sent through approved official channels. Since international test scoring and equivalencies can change, students should verify the requirements applicable to their exam date before registering.
Foreign school transcripts
Applicants with academic records issued in a language other than English must provide certified translations.
UT Dallas requires the appropriate official documents for its admissions review and may request additional records depending on the applicant’s education system.
Advice for students applying from India
Applicants educated under CBSE, ISC, or other Indian school systems should prepare accurate academic transcripts and completion certificates in the format required by UT Dallas.
If English-language proficiency evidence is required, plan ahead for testing and official result submission.
Applying to UT Dallas without SAT or ACT scores does not automatically waive a separate English-language requirement for an international applicant.
Official guidance: UT Dallas International Applicants.
UT Dallas Scholarships, Tuition, and Financial Aid
UT Dallas’s public-university status makes residency, financial aid, and scholarship timing important parts of the college decision.
Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES)
The Academic Excellence Scholarship is a competitive merit program for eligible incoming first-time freshmen.
Students who submit a complete freshman application by December 1 are automatically considered. No separate AES application is required.
The university reviews:
- High school academic achievement.
- Course rigor and performance trends.
- GPA and class rank.
- SAT or ACT scores when submitted.
- Leadership, extracurricular activities, work experience, and community involvement.
- Optional essay, resume, and recommendation information.
AES amounts vary by incoming class and available funding. A particular GPA or SAT score does not guarantee a specific scholarship amount.
National Merit and Honors opportunities
National Merit Scholars may qualify for dedicated university scholarship opportunities, subject to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s procedures and UT Dallas eligibility rules.
Students interested in these programs should check the first-choice designation requirements and current deadlines.
FAFSA school code
Official UT Dallas FAFSA code
009741
Use this code when filing a FAFSA for the University of Texas at Dallas. The university currently identifies January 15 as its general financial aid priority deadline; students should confirm the date for their specific aid year.
What does UT Dallas cost?
UT Dallas publishes separate tuition schedules for Texas residents and nonresidents, including a 2026–27 variable tuition plan.
The university’s 2025–26 cost-of-attendance estimates listed approximately $14,644 in tuition and fees for a Texas resident undergraduate student before housing and other costs.
That is a prior-year estimate, not a guaranteed 2027–28 bill. Students should use the current Bursar tables for the actual entry term and enrollment level.
Housing, dining, transportation, books, and personal expenses affect the total cost. A student commuting from home in Plano or Richardson may have a different budget from someone moving to campus from another state.
Comet Transfer Scholarships
UT Dallas also awards scholarships to eligible transfer students.
For qualifying Texas-resident transfers with the required credits and GPA, published Comet Transfer Scholarship levels include annual full-time awards of:
| Transferable GPA | Published annual full-time award |
|---|---|
| 3.75–4.00 | $5,000 |
| 3.50–3.74 | $3,500 |
| 3.25–3.49 | $1,500 |
However, the current scholarship page also states a 3.5 minimum eligibility condition, which creates uncertainty about the availability of the listed 3.25–3.49 level. Applicants should confirm that tier directly before budgeting for it.
Complete the FAFSA and university application early, then compare the actual financial aid offer with the total cost of attending.
Distinguish grants and scholarships from loans, and calculate the cost of housing and commuting before making the final decision.
Official resources: UT Dallas Affordability, 2026–27 Tuition Rates, and Freshman Scholarships.
Richardson, Texas: Local Tips for UT Dallas Applicants
The University of Texas at Dallas is located at 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080.
Its location in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area makes it especially appealing to students interested in technology, engineering, business, data analysis, and opportunities with employers in the wider region.
However, being in the Dallas metropolitan area does not mean the university is in downtown Dallas. The campus is in Richardson, and commuting distance can materially affect student life.
Visit the correct campus location
The UT Dallas Visitor Center is located at 2830 Rutford Avenue, Richardson, TX 75080.
The university lists weekday Visitor Center hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campus visit arrangements and parking instructions should be confirmed before arrival.
Apply for a possible application fee waiver
UT Dallas states that participants in qualifying Preview Friday or Scholars’ Day events may become eligible for a $75 application fee waiver.
Check eligibility before paying because an application fee already paid generally cannot be reimbursed.
Test your commute realistically
Students living in Dallas, Plano, Garland, Frisco, or McKinney should calculate actual morning and evening travel times rather than relying solely on distance.
Class schedules, parking availability, and public transportation can affect the feasibility of commuting.
Understand the internship environment
UT Dallas’s position within the North Texas employment region can offer opportunities, but applicants should ask their intended school how students obtain internships and whether participation is practical with their class schedule.
Visit for academic fit, not just admissions reassurance
A campus visit is useful for learning about classrooms, laboratories, advising, student activities, residence halls, and transportation.
Ask students in your intended major whether introductory classes are easy to schedule, what tutoring support they use, and when research or internship opportunities generally become accessible.
Local advice for commuter students
A student living with family may avoid residence-hall costs but still face expenses for parking, vehicle maintenance, public transportation, meals, and time spent traveling.
For someone with an early laboratory class or evening student organization meeting, the total commute can become more important than the geographic distance.
“If I have a class at 9 a.m. and another in the late afternoon, where can I study, eat affordably, and spend time between them?”
That answer can reveal whether a planned commuter schedule is realistic, especially for students who also work or help care for family members.
Why the university’s location matters for majors
Students interested in computer science, software engineering, finance, marketing, or information technology may want to learn about the employer relationships of their specific academic department.
Ask for concrete examples of internships, undergraduate research projects, capstone partnerships, and career advising. Do not assume that all students receive the same opportunities simply because the university is near major employers.
Official visit instructions: Visit UT Dallas.
Retention and Graduation: What Happens After Admission?
Acceptance rate is only part of evaluating a university. Students should also investigate whether enrolled students remain at the institution and graduate.
UT Dallas’s 2025–26 Common Data Set reports a 79.17% six-year graduation rate for its relevant Fall 2019 first-time, full-time entering cohort.
That figure describes students entering years earlier and should not be treated as a guaranteed outcome for students entering in 2027.
When visiting or speaking with an academic advisor, ask about:
- Access to required courses in your intended major.
- Four-year degree planning and graduation requirements.
- Availability of undergraduate research and internships.
- Support for students changing majors.
- Tutoring, academic coaching, and advising.
- Differences between commuting and residential student experiences.
A strong academic and financial fit is ultimately more valuable than choosing a university based solely on its admission percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions About UT Dallas Acceptance Rate 2026
What is UT Dallas’s acceptance rate in 2026?
The latest fully verified first-year acceptance rate is 69.1% for Fall 2025, based on 25,115 admitted students from 36,353 applicants. The figure comes from UT Dallas’s 2025–26 Common Data Set and should not be presented as the finalized Fall 2026 admission rate.
Is UT Dallas hard to get into?
UT Dallas is moderately selective overall, admitting approximately 69% of applicants in Fall 2025. Strong academic preparation, high school grades, curriculum rigor, and intended-major readiness remain important.
What GPA do you need to get into UT Dallas?
UT Dallas does not publish one universal freshman GPA minimum for holistic admission, and its latest Common Data Set does not provide a verified average high school GPA. The university considers grades, course rigor, academic trends, and high school class rank.
What SAT score is competitive for UT Dallas?
The Fall 2025 middle-50% SAT composite range among enrolled students submitting scores was 1170–1390, with a median of 1290. SAT and ACT scores are optional for general freshman admission.
Does UT Dallas require the SAT or ACT?
No. UT Dallas offers test-optional freshman admission. Applicants can submit SAT or ACT scores or request application review without testing.
Does UT Dallas automatically admit Texas students in the top 10%?
Yes, qualifying Texas high school graduates in the top 10% receive automatic university admission when they meet the requirements of Texas Education Code Section 51.803, including applicable graduation and timing conditions.
What is UT Dallas’s international acceptance rate?
For Fall 2025, UT Dallas received 3,835 international first-year applications and offered admission to 2,056 students, a calculated international applicant admit rate of approximately 53.6%.
Does UT Dallas have Early Decision or Early Action?
The university does not report a conventional Early Decision or Early Action admission plan. It uses rolling review and a December 1 priority deadline for earlier review and Academic Excellence Scholarship consideration.
When is the UT Dallas application deadline for Fall 2027?
The priority application deadline is December 1, 2026, and the regular application deadline is May 1, 2027. The application opened August 1, 2026.
What is the UT Dallas transfer acceptance rate?
UT Dallas admitted 3,275 of 5,360 Fall 2025 transfer applicants, a calculated acceptance rate of approximately 61.1%. Separate assured transfer pathways are available for eligible students.
Does UT Dallas use a waitlist?
The university’s 2025–26 Common Data Set reports that UT Dallas does not operate a general first-year admissions waitlist.
What is the UT Dallas FAFSA school code?
The University of Texas at Dallas FAFSA school code is 009741. Applicants seeking financial aid should complete the appropriate FAFSA and follow the university’s priority deadlines.
Official UT Dallas Research Sources and Admission Documents
The figures in this guide prioritize original UT Dallas institutional reports and official university admissions pages. Acceptance-rate calculations use matching applicants and admission offers from the same entering class.
- UT Dallas Common Data Set 2025–2026 (PDF) — Fall 2025 first-year admission counts, residency breakdown, SAT/ACT percentiles, high school preparation, class rank, transfer admissions, and graduation data.
- Common Data Set 2024–2025 (PDF) — Previous admission-cycle figures for historical comparison.
- Office of Institutional Success and Decision Support — Official Common Data Set archive and reporting resources.
- Freshman Admission Criteria — Holistic selection, test-optional applications, and Texas Top 10% automatic admission.
- Freshman Application Process — Common App, ApplyTexas, transcripts, application steps, and the Fall 2027 cycle.
- Admission Deadlines and Fees — December 1 scholarship priority, May 1 regular deadline, and $75 application fee.
- Admissions Timeline — Rolling review and application-completion steps.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship — Eligibility, holistic scholarship review, and timing.
- Hobson Wildenthal Honors College Applications — Collegium V and additional honors admission pathways.
- Transfer Admission Criteria — Assured transfer admission and academic review.
- Comet Connection Program — Texas community college transfers, advising, and program benefits.
- International Applicant Requirements — Foreign academic records and English-language proficiency.
- Tuition, Aid, and Affordability — FAFSA code, tuition context, and financial planning.
- 2026–27 Tuition Rates — Official resident and nonresident undergraduate tuition schedules.
- Visit UT Dallas — Visitor Center address, campus tours, information sessions, and admissions events.
Research reviewed October 15, 2026. The 69.1% overall acceptance rate and 61.1% transfer rate refer to Fall 2025 cohorts. The standardized-test percentiles describe enrolled students who submitted results. UT Dallas does not report a verified average high school GPA for that cohort, so no estimated average has been presented as official. Scholarship conditions, international testing rules, and 2027–28 costs should be reconfirmed before applying or paying.
Final Assessment: Is UT Dallas a Realistic College Choice for 2027?
UT Dallas is a realistic university choice for many well-prepared students, with a latest verified first-year acceptance rate of 69.1%. But the overall figure does not replace the need to examine your high school courses, grades, class rank, and intended major.
Texas applicants should check whether they qualify for automatic admission under the Top 10% rule. Students seeking merit scholarships should make the December 1 priority deadline a central part of their preparation.
Test-optional admission offers flexibility, but a strong academic record is still essential. For computer science, engineering, and quantitative business fields, rigorous mathematics preparation can be especially valuable.
Finally, consider the actual student experience: Richardson’s location, commuting patterns, scholarships, research opportunities, and the cost of attending all affect whether UT Dallas will be a good fit for your goals.