If you’re applying to the University of Texas at San Antonio, understanding your high school class rank is often more helpful than worrying about a general acceptance-rate percentage.
UTSA admits a large majority of applicants and offers guaranteed admission to qualifying students in the top quarter of their high school class. There is also a pathway for second-quartile students with qualifying SAT or ACT scores, while other applications receive a broader review.
Its latest publicly accessible official Common Data Set reports an 86.8% first-year acceptance rate for Fall 2024. The university’s current 2026–27 admission policies provide the more practical details students need for Fall 2027 applications.
Updated October 15, 2026. Covers the latest verified admissions cohort, current university requirements, Fall 2027 deadlines and San Antonio-specific advice.
22,063 students admitted out of 25,422 applicants. Not a confirmed Fall 2026 result.
The latest first-year applicant and admission totals verified from UTSA’s published Common Data Set are 25,422 applicants and 22,063 admitted students for Fall 2024. That gives an acceptance rate of 86.78%, approximately 86.8%. Of those admitted, 5,980 enrolled.
UTSA’s official Common Data Set archive currently lists reports through 2024–25. A complete matching first-year admissions table for Fall 2025 or Fall 2026 was not established from that archive, so an exact 2026 rate should not be invented.
For incoming Fall 2027 students, the main academic routes are top 25% class rank with no minimum SAT/ACT score, or second quartile with at least a 1170 SAT or 24 ACT. Applicants outside these guaranteed routes receive holistic review.
Official sources: UTSA Common Data Set archive | Current UTSA first-year admissions requirements.
UTSA Acceptance Rate: What the University Actually Reported
The most useful way to interpret a school’s admission rate is to start with the underlying number of applicants, admission offers and students who enrolled. For UTSA, those figures are documented in its 2024–25 Common Data Set.
| Fall 2024 first-year measure | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 25,422 | First-time, first-year applicants. |
| Admitted | 22,063 | Students who received admission offers. |
| Enrolled | 5,980 | Admitted students who entered the university. |
| Acceptance rate | 86.78% | 22,063 divided by 25,422. |
| Enrollment yield | 27.1% | 5,980 divided by 22,063. |
Is UTSA easy to get into?
UTSA is comparatively accessible based on its historical admissions rate and clear guaranteed-admission standards. But “86.8% acceptance” does not mean every student has an 86.8% individual probability of admission.
A student graduating in the top quarter of an accredited high school class and meeting the prescribed curriculum can qualify for guaranteed freshman admission. Someone in the bottom half of the class may need holistic review. Those students face meaningfully different requirements.
Why does UTSA’s acceptance rate sometimes appear as 87%?
Many college profiles round 86.78% to a whole number, producing 87%. College Board also displays 86.78% with the same Fall 2024 applicants and admits.
Both figures describe the same underlying reporting cohort when using those counts. The problem occurs when a website displays 87% as though UTSA has confirmed that exact rate for every following admissions year.
UTSA’s admissions criteria are not the same as those of UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas or Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Their class-rank guarantees, applicant pools and acceptance rates must be evaluated separately.
Supporting source: College Board’s historical UTSA admission profile.
UTSA Guaranteed Admission Requirements: The Class-Rank Rule
UTSA’s undergraduate catalog and official first-year admissions page publish clear guaranteed-admission rules. These are far more helpful than guessing admission chances from a schoolwide acceptance rate.
| High school class rank | Required SAT | Required ACT | General admission status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 25% | No minimum | No minimum | Guaranteed, subject to the required curriculum and documentation. |
| Second 25% | 1170 | 24 | Guaranteed with either qualifying test score and other requirements. |
| Third 25% | No guaranteed score route listed | No guaranteed score route listed | Holistic admission review. |
| Fourth 25% | No guaranteed score route listed | No guaranteed score route listed | Holistic admission review. |
| Homeschooled or GED applicants | Individual assessment | Individual assessment | Special review and transcript/rank evaluation rules. |
What counts as the top 25%?
A student ranked 48th in a graduating class of 200 is in the top 24% and may qualify for the top-quarter guaranteed route. A student ranked 70th of 200 is in the second quartile, where UTSA’s published test-score requirements become important for guaranteed admission.
Your school’s reported rank, not a self-estimated percentile, is used for admission evaluation. When a school does not report rank, UTSA may assign one from the transcript, grading scale and school profile.
If your school does not put a numeric rank on transcripts, ask your counselor for a school profile or grade distribution report. UTSA says it assigns rank to applicants from non-ranking high schools, and a complete school profile can help that determination.
Can you apply without SAT or ACT?
Yes. Students in the top quarter do not need a minimum score for guaranteed admission. Applicants outside a guaranteed route can also be considered through holistic review without necessarily submitting testing.
However, a second-quartile student who wants guaranteed admission through the published test-score pathway needs at least a 1170 SAT or 24 ACT.
This is why describing UTSA as simply “test optional” without explaining its rank-based qualification system leaves out the most important detail.
What GPA Do You Need to Get Into UTSA?
UTSA does not publish one universal first-year GPA cutoff that guarantees admission to every student.
For applicants from ranked U.S. high schools, class rank and completion of the required curriculum determine whether they qualify for guaranteed admission. For other applicants, grades, coursework, academic preparation and additional background information can be considered in holistic review.
No universal 3.0 cutoff
First-year general admission
A 3.0 GPA is not listed as the single required threshold for all freshmen. Eligibility depends on rank, scores when applicable and the broader admission pathway.
Class rank often matters more
Guaranteed admission
Students in the top quarter can qualify without meeting a minimum SAT or ACT score. Second-quartile students need the specified testing result for their guaranteed route.
What is the average high school GPA at UTSA?
A complete, reliably identified average enrolled-student GPA for a newly finalized Fall 2026 cohort was not established from the official Common Data Set archive reviewed here.
Rather than labeling an unsourced 3.3 or 3.4 number as UTSA’s official 2026 GPA average, applicants should rely on the university’s actual rank-based requirements and the academic expectations of their intended major.
How should students with different GPAs approach UTSA?
| Applicant situation | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Strong grades and top-quarter rank | May qualify for guaranteed general admission without minimum testing. | Check required high school coursework and intended major. |
| Second-quarter rank | Can qualify with 1170 SAT or 24 ACT. | Verify test score and official school rank. |
| Good GPA but third/fourth quartile | May be reviewed holistically. | Explain academic improvement, responsibilities and other context. |
| School does not report rank | UTSA may assign a rank. | Provide the school profile and accurate transcript information. |
| Applying to Engineering or another restricted-entry major | General university admission may not mean direct major admission. | Check the program-specific threshold or prerequisites. |
Two students with the same GPA can have different high school ranks because their schools use different grading systems and academic distributions. UTSA’s class-rank policy makes the school’s official transcript and grading context important.
UTSA SAT and ACT Scores: Requirements and Historical Ranges
UTSA has two separate concepts that applicants often confuse: the score required for guaranteed admission in the second quartile and the scores reported by students who enrolled.
These numbers answer different questions.
| SAT/ACT measure | Published value | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed SAT threshold, second quartile | 1170 | May qualify a second-quartile freshman for guaranteed admission. |
| Guaranteed ACT threshold, second quartile | 24 | Alternative to SAT for guaranteed admission in that rank category. |
| Historical middle-50% SAT composite | 1010–1210 | 2024–25 Common Data Set, students reporting scores. |
| Historical middle-50% SAT Reading and Writing | 510–620 | Reported score distribution, not a minimum. |
| Historical middle-50% SAT Math | 490–600 | Reported score distribution, not a minimum. |
| Historical middle-50% ACT composite | 19–25 | Reported score distribution, not a minimum. |
Why are some admitted students below 1170 SAT?
A student in the top 25% can qualify for guaranteed admission without a minimum score. Other students can enter through holistic review.
Therefore, the SAT range of enrolled students can include values below 1170 without contradicting the guaranteed admission requirements for students in the second quartile.
Should you submit a 1000, 1100 or 1200 SAT?
Your high school rank changes the answer.
- Top-quarter applicant: No SAT minimum is necessary for the general guaranteed-admission route.
- Second-quarter applicant with 1200 SAT: Meets the published 1170 testing threshold, subject to other requirements.
- Second-quarter applicant with 1100 SAT: Does not meet the guaranteed threshold but may be considered through holistic review.
- Third- or fourth-quarter applicant: The holistic review process applies regardless of whether a test score is submitted.
Official UTSA test reporting codes
| Examination | UTSA code |
|---|---|
| SAT | 6919 |
| ACT | 4239 |
The university requires qualifying official scores to be sent by the testing agency. Plan for delivery time before the admission deadline.
If your second-quartile rank means a 1170 SAT or 24 ACT would make you eligible for guaranteed admission, improving your testing score may be especially valuable. For a top-quarter applicant, it may make more sense to spend that time preparing for college coursework, scholarships or program-specific requirements.
UTSA Holistic Review: What Happens if You Don’t Qualify for Guaranteed Admission?
Not meeting the guaranteed-admission criteria does not automatically mean rejection.
UTSA’s 2026–27 undergraduate catalog states that applicants outside those criteria are considered through a holistic process that can examine both academic and nonacademic achievements.
| Review factor | Why it can matter | How to document it |
|---|---|---|
| Academic achievements | Shows readiness for university-level coursework. | Transcript, challenging courses and improving academic performance. |
| First-generation background | Provides educational context and perspective. | Accurately complete the application questions. |
| Leadership | Demonstrates responsibility and initiative. | Explain a specific contribution rather than just a title. |
| Extracurricular involvement | Shows sustained activities outside class. | Include relevant school organizations, arts, sports or service. |
| Work experience | Shows reliability and maturity. | Describe job responsibilities and hours when relevant. |
| Family responsibility and overcoming obstacles | May help admissions understand academic circumstances. | Provide accurate, personal context when appropriate. |
| Community activities | Shows participation and local contribution. | Describe actual work performed and impact. |
Does UTSA require an essay?
For applicants undergoing holistic review, UTSA highly encourages an essay or personal statement. On ApplyTexas, the university points applicants toward Essay A; on the Common Application, applicants may use an appropriate open essay prompt.
The essay is not a universal requirement for every guaranteed-admission applicant.
How many recommendations should you submit?
UTSA highly encourages two recommendation letters for applicants being considered through holistic review.
Select people who can explain your performance and character through specific examples, such as a teacher who saw your academic improvement or an employer familiar with your responsibilities.
A student who worked after school to support family expenses could explain how they balanced shifts with academic work, what changed over time and why that experience shaped their goals. That gives admissions useful information beyond a GPA and class rank.
UTSA Engineering, Nursing, Business and Honors: Do Majors Have Different Admission Requirements?
Yes. UTSA explicitly warns that general university admission does not guarantee direct admission into every degree program.
A student who meets general admission requirements but not a major’s direct-entry standards may be admitted into an academic studies pathway within University College instead.
| Program or pathway | Key distinction | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineering | Separate direct-major criteria involving rank, testing and Calculus I readiness. | Check both university and major admission standards. |
| Other Engineering degrees | Mathematics preparation and program-specific requirements may apply. | Review the exact degree page rather than assuming one Engineering rule fits all. |
| Business | Degree requirements and professional progression can differ. | Examine business major requirements and advising pathways. |
| Honors College | Invitation-based additional academic consideration. | Review Honors information and respond to an invitation. |
| Health Science Center professional programs | Some require a separate admissions system and prerequisites. | Use the relevant school-specific professional admissions website. |
Biomedical Engineering: A concrete example
UTSA’s Biomedical Engineering undergraduate page publishes these freshman direct-admission criteria:
| High school rank | Testing requirement | Other requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10% | No minimum SAT/ACT | Calculus I ready. |
| Below top 10% | 1200 SAT or 25 ACT | Calculus I ready. |
Students not immediately qualifying for the major may enter an Engineering, Math and Sciences Studies pathway and work toward the prerequisites.
A second-quartile student with a 1170 SAT may meet UTSA’s general guaranteed admission standard but not Biomedical Engineering’s published direct-major testing standard of 1200. A university admission offer and a specific major’s direct-admission decision are therefore separate issues.
UTSA Honors College
The university automatically considers freshmen for Honors College eligibility based on the admissions application.
It does not publish an absolute required GPA, rank or test score for all Honors consideration, but describes the average Honors freshman as being in the top 8% with approximately a 1300 SAT or 28 ACT.
These are descriptive figures, not universal admission cutoffs.
What about UTSA Nursing?
Applicants should distinguish general freshman admission from nursing and other professional pathways associated with UT San Antonio’s Health Science Center. Those programs can have a separate application and specific prerequisite requirements.
A separate, verifiable 2026 nursing-specific acceptance rate was not established in the reviewed general freshman admissions materials. The university-wide 86.8% rate should not be used as a nursing admission statistic.
Official sources: Biomedical Engineering Direct Admission | Honors and Major-Specific Admissions Information.
UTSA Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
UTSA’s current fall undergraduate schedule distinguishes the priority deadline from the final application and missing-document deadlines.
That distinction is especially important for students who need scholarships or additional time to send transcripts and test results.
Students can begin the relevant federal or state financial aid process.
Deadline listed for major scholarship opportunities requiring earlier consideration.
Priority date for first-year applicants. It also aligns with general scholarships, Distinguished Presidential Scholarship consideration and the financial aid priority calendar.
Domestic and international freshmen must submit the admission application by this date.
The university lists this later date to receive missing supporting documents for fall applications.
Priority date for applicants considering the spring semester.
Final spring application date for domestic first-year students, with missing documents due by December 1.
Is UTSA Early Decision or Early Action?
UTSA uses priority and final admission deadlines. The general January 15 priority deadline is not a binding Early Decision contract.
Students can apply through the normal application system without committing to attend merely because they submit before the priority deadline.
What if the deadline falls on a weekend?
UTSA’s current admissions page says deadlines falling on a weekend or university holiday are extended to 5 p.m. Central Time on the next business day.
The university also emphasizes that a document is considered on time based on when it is received, not when staff finish processing it.
A student who waits until June may still be eligible for ordinary fall admission, but could miss the January 15 priority date for institutional scholarship and financial aid consideration.
Official freshman deadlines | UT San Antonio One Stop calendar.
How to Apply to UTSA: Step-by-Step
Choose ApplyTexas or the Common Application
UTSA accepts first-year applications through both platforms. Fall 2027 applications are currently open.
Check your high school rank and graduation curriculum
Find your official numerical rank and determine whether you qualify for guaranteed admission or need holistic review.
Choose an intended major
Review the exact program’s admissions page before finalizing your selection. Additional criteria may apply to Engineering or another specialized degree.
Submit the application and fee
The current university admissions site lists a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Fee waiver eligibility is available for qualifying applicants.
Send required official records
Arrange for your school to send transcripts. If a qualifying SAT/ACT result is needed, request official scores from the testing agency.
Add holistic-review materials when appropriate
If you are outside the guaranteed route, consider an essay and two recommendations. UTSA highly encourages these for holistic review applicants.
Activate your myUTSA account
UTSA generally emails account activation instructions within two to three business days after receiving an application. Use the admissions portal to check missing requirements.
Complete aid and scholarship applications
Use FAFSA or TASFA if eligible, and check the UTSA Scholarship Hub before the applicable priority dates.
Freshman application checklist
| Item | Required or recommended? | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| ApplyTexas or Common Application | Required | Either platform is accepted. |
| Application fee | $75 unless waived | Nonrefundable under the current admissions instructions. |
| High school transcript | Required | Contains academic record and available class rank. |
| SAT/ACT | Optional for many; needed for certain guaranteed routes | Submit directly through the testing agency. |
| Essay | Highly encouraged for holistic review | Essay A or suitable Common App prompt. |
| Two recommendations | Highly encouraged for holistic review | Can be submitted through the document uploader. |
| Dual-credit college transcripts | Requested where relevant | Not ordinarily required before the initial freshman admission decision. |
| Scholarship Hub application | Required for certain additional scholarships | Check the January 15 priority deadline. |
Do not assume clicking “Submit” means UTSA has everything. Log into the myUTSA Admissions portal, check whether the transcript and fee are received, and allow time for testing organizations or your high school to send remaining documents.
UTSA Transfer Acceptance and GPA Requirements
UTSA welcomes transfer applicants, including students transferring from the Alamo Colleges District and other Texas community colleges.
A verified, separately dated Fall 2026 UTSA transfer acceptance percentage was not established from the current public sources reviewed. The university’s general first-year acceptance rate is not a transfer rate.
UTSA guaranteed transfer admission
| Transferable college credits | Published GPA requirement | Additional condition |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer than 12 | 2.25 transfer GPA | Must also satisfy freshman requirements. |
| 12–29 | 2.75 transfer GPA | Or 2.25 transfer GPA plus freshman requirements. |
| 30 or more | 2.25 transfer GPA | General transfer admission pathway. |
UTSA says there is no minimum number of credits required to apply as a transfer student. However, no more than 66 community college transfer credits may be applied toward a UTSA degree under the university’s general policy.
Transfer admission to Honors College
Applicants with at least 12 completed college-level credits, excluding dual credit, and a minimum 3.7 cumulative GPA can receive an invitation to apply to the Honors College.
Alamo Colleges transfer pathways
UTSA’s partnership with the Alamo Colleges District includes transfer advising resources and a pathway connecting AlamoPROMISE with UTSA Bold Promise.
Qualifying AlamoPROMISE students may receive tuition and mandatory-fee coverage for up to two academic years at UTSA under the published requirements.
If you’re attending San Antonio College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip’s College or Northeast Lakeview College, use UTSA’s published Transfer Advising Guides before registering for courses. An accepted elective credit is not always a substitute for an important degree prerequisite.
Official resources: Transfer guaranteed admission | Alamo Colleges transfer partnerships.
UTSA International Student Admission Requirements
International students apply through the university’s international undergraduate process. Their academic records, educational curriculum, English proficiency and immigration documents may require additional review.
International first-year applications
Applicants educated outside the United States should review UTSA’s country-specific academic document requirements and submit officially translated records when required.
International freshman applicants generally follow the university’s freshman admission framework, but non-U.S. transcript evaluation and assigned rank can affect how academic eligibility is assessed.
International transfer GPA requirements
| Foreign-college transfer credits | Published minimum GPA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–29 semester credits | 2.5 | Must also meet freshman requirements. |
| 30 or more semester credits | 2.5 | General international transfer route. |
UTSA requires foreign college and university transcripts to be evaluated by a qualified credential evaluation organization. Its international site recommends Foreign Credential Services of America and accepts evaluations from NACES-listed agencies.
Fall 2027 international deadlines
International freshmen should submit their applications by June 1, 2027, with missing documents due June 15 under the published schedule.
For students needing a U.S. visa, those admission dates should not be treated as a sensible last-minute planning target. Allow time for financial documentation, the I-20 process and visa appointments.
Requirements may differ by degree level and applicant background. Do not use a graduate program’s TOEFL or IELTS minimum as though it automatically applies to every international undergraduate applicant. Check the current international freshman instructions for your academic curriculum and any exemptions.
UTSA Tuition, Scholarships, FAFSA and Bold Promise
UTSA is a public Texas university, so residency classification has a substantial effect on the cost of attendance.
The university’s current Fall 2027 planning budget estimates tuition and mandatory fees of $11,476 for Texas residents and $28,318 for nonresidents for the standard full-time academic year.
UTSA 2027–28 annual cost of attendance
| Expense | Living with parents | Off campus | On campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees (Texas resident) | $11,476 | $11,476 | $11,476 |
| Books and course materials | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Housing | $2,880 | $8,110 | $10,484 |
| Meals | $2,764 | $4,168 | $5,878 |
| Transportation | $3,216 | $3,990 | $774 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | $1,540 | $2,134 | $2,160 |
| Average loan fees | $68 | $68 | $68 |
| Annual total | $22,944 | $30,946 | $31,840 |
The total is an estimated student budget, not necessarily the amount billed directly by UTSA. It includes indirect costs such as transportation and personal expenses.
For nonresident students, the published budget substitutes $28,318 tuition and fees in place of $11,476. This increases the estimated total by $16,842.
UTSA FAFSA school code
Use 010115 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Students eligible for Texas state financial aid but not federal FAFSA assistance should examine the Texas Application for State Financial Aid, or TASFA.
UTSA Bold Promise: Tuition and Mandatory Fees Coverage
Bold Promise is one of the university’s most valuable programs for qualifying students from lower- and middle-income Texas families.
The program can cover 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters, provided the student maintains eligibility.
This does not mean all housing, food, transportation and personal expenses are automatically covered.
Does Bold Promise require a separate application?
UTSA says eligible first-time fall freshmen are automatically considered when they meet the admission and financial aid requirements by the applicable deadline. The current scholarship calendar lists January 15 for Bold Promise and financial aid priority consideration.
Specific household income, Texas residency, academic and renewal criteria apply. Applicants should check the live eligibility page for their entering year instead of relying on an older flyer with a different income limit or deadline.
Scholarship deadlines for Fall 2027
| Financial aid or scholarship | Published priority date |
|---|---|
| Top Scholar and Terry Scholarship | December 1, 2026 |
| Distinguished Presidential Scholarship | January 15, 2027 |
| General Scholarship Hub priority | January 15, 2027 |
| Financial aid priority | January 15, 2027 |
| Bold Promise | January 15, 2027 |
A student living at home in San Antonio can have a very different annual budget from a student renting an apartment or living on campus. Compare the complete cost and financial aid package rather than assuming low tuition alone makes a degree affordable.
Official sources: UTSA 2027–28 Cost and Financial Aid | UTSA Bold Promise.
San Antonio-Specific Tips for UTSA Applicants and Families
UTSA’s campus experience is closely tied to San Antonio. The university has a large Main Campus in northwest San Antonio and an additional Downtown Campus, making transportation and academic location important decisions for many students.
Main Campus
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
Located near Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The Welcome Center is on the ground floor of Bauerle Road Garage.
Downtown Campus
501 W. César E. Chávez Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78207
The Gregory Luna Welcome Center is on the first floor of the Buena Vista Building.
Parking for an official campus tour
UTSA’s current visitor guidance lists a rate of $2.50 per hour for ordinary campus-tour parking, with no general parking validation.
At Main Campus, visitors are directed to Bauerle Road Garage. Downtown Campus parking uses designated campus garage spaces and ParkMobile arrangements.
Do not assume parking is free because you registered for an admissions event.
Why the campus location matters
A student commuting from the Stone Oak area may have a very different journey from someone traveling from the South Side, Alamo Ranch or the downtown area.
Before choosing a schedule, review where the intended major’s classes are delivered, whether academic activities require traveling between campuses, and how transportation works at the times you plan to attend.
If you will drive to Main Campus, test the trip during a weekday morning rather than on a quiet weekend. Add time for parking and walking to your classroom. A short distance from campus does not always guarantee an easy commute at busy hours on I-10 or Loop 1604.
How to get more value from a campus tour
UTSA offers Main and Downtown campus tours, and its website describes visits that include academic spaces, student services, student-life information and housing.
Ask the guide specific questions about your likely course buildings, first-year advising, tutoring, residence halls, dining costs and access to faculty.
The university recommends comfortable walking shoes, water, a phone or notebook, and weather-appropriate clothing. San Antonio heat can make daytime walking uncomfortable during warmer months.
What about local employment and internships?
San Antonio offers opportunities across healthcare, cybersecurity, technology, education, government, finance, hospitality and military-related industries.
Proximity to a regional employer is not a guarantee of internship placement. Ask your academic department about career support, available internships and which activities students typically complete before graduation.
Alamo Colleges and the local transfer advantage
Students considering a lower-cost starting point may benefit from the Alamo Colleges partnership. UTSA publishes transfer advising guides and specific dual-enrollment and scholarship arrangements.
This is particularly useful for families who want to minimize early tuition expenses while preparing for a bachelor’s degree.
Official resources: UTSA Campus Tours and Visitor Parking | Alamo Colleges Transfer Pathways.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into UTSA
A strong application begins with knowing which admission pathway applies to you.
Find your official high school rank
Check whether you are in the top quarter, second quarter or another rank category. If your school does not provide rank, ask how UTSA will evaluate your academic record.
Use testing when it has a clear purpose
For second-quartile students, reaching 1170 SAT or 24 ACT can establish the published guaranteed route. Other students should consider whether test scores strengthen their record.
Make holistic-review materials meaningful
If you need holistic review, explain actual academic progress, work, service, leadership or responsibilities. Include the essay and recommendations that UTSA encourages.
Check intended-major requirements
A general admission offer does not automatically mean direct admission to Biomedical Engineering or every other degree. Examine program-specific standards before enrolling.
Apply before January 15 when possible
The priority admission date also matters for scholarships, Bold Promise and financial aid. Prepare transcripts and fees well before the final deadline.
Think beyond the acceptance letter
Compare the cost of commuting or housing, visit the relevant campus and understand advising and transfer options. The right college should fit your academic plan and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About UTSA Acceptance Rate 2026
1. What is UTSA’s acceptance rate in 2026?
The latest first-year acceptance rate verified from UTSA’s published Common Data Set archive is 86.8% for Fall 2024. The university reported 25,422 applicants and 22,063 admits. A matching finalized Fall 2026 admission table was not established from the reviewed official archive.
2. Is UTSA hard to get into?
UTSA admits a large majority of applicants historically, and qualified students can earn guaranteed admission through its class-rank rules. However, applicants outside those standards receive holistic review, and some majors impose additional requirements.
3. What GPA do you need to get into UTSA?
There is no single universal first-year GPA cutoff guaranteeing admission. UTSA bases guaranteed admission primarily on high school rank and testing when applicable. Applicants in the top 25% can qualify without a minimum SAT or ACT score, while some other applicants receive holistic review.
4. Can you get into UTSA without SAT or ACT?
Yes. Students in the top quarter of their accredited high school class can qualify for guaranteed admission without minimum SAT/ACT scores. Other applicants may be considered through holistic review without testing, although submitting a strong result can help certain applicants qualify for guaranteed admission.
5. What SAT and ACT scores guarantee admission to UTSA?
For students ranked in the second quarter of their high school class, UTSA lists a 1170 SAT or 24 ACT as a guaranteed admission threshold, subject to its other requirements. Top-quarter students do not need a minimum SAT or ACT score for general guaranteed admission.
6. Does UTSA require an essay and recommendation letters?
An essay and two recommendations are highly encouraged for applicants receiving holistic review, but they are not universal requirements for every freshman eligible for guaranteed admission.
7. Is admission to UTSA Engineering guaranteed?
Not necessarily. Some programs have additional standards. Biomedical Engineering, for example, requires Calculus I readiness and separate class-rank or test conditions for direct admission. Students may enter an academic studies pathway if they meet university admission requirements but not the major’s direct-entry standards.
8. What are UTSA’s transfer GPA requirements?
Applicants with fewer than 12 transferable credits generally need a 2.25 transfer GPA plus freshman eligibility. Those with 12–29 credits can qualify with a 2.75 GPA or with a 2.25 GPA plus freshman eligibility. Applicants with 30 or more transferable credits generally qualify with a 2.25 GPA.
9. When is the UTSA Fall 2027 application deadline?
January 15, 2027 is the fall priority freshman deadline. The final application deadline is June 1, 2027, with missing supporting documents due June 15. Earlier deadlines apply to certain major scholarships and financial aid consideration.
10. What is UTSA’s FAFSA code, and what is Bold Promise?
UTSA’s FAFSA school code is 010115. Bold Promise is a program that can cover tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying Texas students for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters, subject to residency, financial, academic and renewal requirements.
Official UTSA Sources and Admissions Research
These resources support the admissions statistics and policies in this guide. They also allow readers to confirm current requirements before submitting applications or accepting offers.
- UTSA Official Common Data Set Archive — Published reports, including the latest accessible 2024–25 Common Data Set with Fall 2024 applicant and admit totals.
- College Board UTSA Admissions Profile — Historical acceptance rate, applicant totals, SAT/ACT ranges and application requirements.
- Current Freshman Admissions Requirements — Guaranteed admission, holistic review, test codes, fees and Fall 2027 deadlines.
- UTSA 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog: First-Time Freshman Admission — Formal academic and rank-based admission policies and holistic factors.
- 2026–27 Official Application Dates — Priority and final admission deadline policy.
- Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements — Program-specific direct admission and Calculus I readiness.
- Transfer Admissions — GPA and transferable credit routes.
- Alamo Colleges Transfer Partnership — Local transfer planning and AlamoPROMISE connections.
- International Undergraduate Admissions — Foreign transcripts, evaluations, requirements and international deadlines.
- 2027–28 Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid — Tuition estimates, living costs, FAFSA code and scholarship timing.
- UTSA Bold Promise — Tuition coverage, eligibility and renewal conditions.
- UTSA Campus Tours and Visitor Information — Main and Downtown campus locations, parking, arrival details and visit options.
Research methodology: The 86.8% headline is calculated using the Fall 2024 first-year applicant and admission totals in the 2024–25 UTSA Common Data Set, corroborated by the College Board profile. The SAT/ACT middle ranges are historical enrolled-score distributions, not mandatory test thresholds for every applicant. Guaranteed admission requirements and Fall 2027 deadlines come from the current official admissions site and 2026–27 academic catalog. No unverified Fall 2026 acceptance rate, major-specific rate or universal freshman GPA cutoff is represented as fact.
Final Assessment: Is UTSA a Realistic Choice?
For many academically prepared applicants, the University of Texas at San Antonio is a realistic college choice. Its latest verified historical first-year acceptance rate is 86.8%, and its published admission rules make the eligibility process relatively clear.
The most important action is to determine your high school class rank. Top-quarter students can qualify without minimum SAT/ACT testing. Second-quartile applicants can qualify with 1170 SAT or 24 ACT. Other students still have a holistic-review pathway, where personal context and academic progress can matter.
Before committing, examine your intended major’s direct admission requirements, apply early enough for financial aid, and compare the cost of living at home, off campus or in university housing. UTSA’s location and Alamo Colleges partnerships can create practical opportunities, but the right decision should depend on the degree you want and what you can reasonably afford.