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Arizona State University vs University of Texas at Austin

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$32,600 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $9,870
ASU
$31,200
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
ASU
88.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
ASU
69%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
ASU
1230
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
ASU
$60,100
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$41,070ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$14,000$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate88.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate69%87%UT Austin
Average SAT12301370UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UT Austin
Enrollment83,44652,384-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$60,100$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$1.5B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,695 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
UT AustinSouth
Founded
ASU1885
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
ASU83,446
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at UT Austin it is 1370. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.