Austin Colleges & Universities

Austin straddles the fast pace of a metropolitan city and the slow speed of hill country leisure. Matching the city’s focused drive and welcoming ease, educational opportunities abound for first time college students and adults seeking forward momentum in their education and careers. Opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, adult students, and continuing education seekers are plentiful within the halls of Austin’s institutions of higher learning. Below are the major college and university level schools within the Austin city limits:

University of Texas

The University of Texas, the most recognized educational institution in the state, has been a part of Texas history since 1883. The school, with its flagship buildings located close Tarrytown homes, consistently is ranked as one of the top U.S. public universities, with highly prestigious programs across a range of fields. In 2011, The University was ranked 13th among all public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The average size of the student body is approximately 40,000 undergraduates, 12,000 graduate students, and 1,200 law students. The school is a research-intensive university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, which has satellite campuses across the state. Seven museums are housed on campus, as well as 17 libraries, including the LBJ Presidential Library. Student athletes are known as the Longhorns and participate in the Big 12 Conference.

In addition to traditional coursework for degree seeking students, UT offers noncredit Continuing and Innovative Education classes, known as “Informal Classes.” Based on community interests, the course offerings range from language instruction to physical activities to creative pursuits to personal development and world discovery.

St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University is a private Roman Catholic school that offers a variety of liberal arts fields of study. Founded over a century ago by The Congregation of Holy Cross, the school’s mission is to encourage students to think critically, act ethically, embrace diversity, strive for social justice, and recognize their responsibility to the world community. Approximately 5,300 undergraduate and graduate students attend St. Edward’s, hailing from 46 states and 36 countries. The school, located in South Austin close to the Circle C neighborhood, offers 11 master’s degree programs and five bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. St. Edward’s also is well known for its programs that cater to adults 24 years of age and older through the New College program.

Concordia University

The Concordia University Texas campus is an award-winning institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as an Accelerated Degree Program for adult students. The main campus is located in Northwest Austin close to Lake Travis and Lake Travis neighborhoods, with four university centers in central Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Founded in 1926, the private university is under the auspices of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and now has an average student body of 2,500 on the main Austin campus.

Huston-Tillotson University

Huston–Tillotson University is an historic university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. With approximately 900 students, the school awards four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and science and technology. The University also offers alternative teacher certification and academic programs for undergraduates interested in pursuing post-graduate degrees in Law and Medicine.

Austin Community College

Austin Community College was founded in 1972 when residents of the Austin Independent School District voted to create the Austin Community College District. Today, Austin Community College is the primary gateway to higher education and training for Central Texas residents. Offering associates degrees that can lead to further job training or a bachelors, as well as professional development trainings and courses for the community, the school provides College Prep bridge programs, hands-on technical training, college credit for high school students, and continuing education. There are eight campuses and 12 centers throughout Austin to serve students in every corner of the city.

Texas State University

Texas State University, with campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, is a close commute for Austin residents looking to begin or extend their higher education. Approximately 34,225 students attend and can select from 96 undergraduate, 87 graduate, and 12 doctoral degree programs. Texas State was founded in 1899 and has grown to be the fifth largest university in Texas, with nationally recognized programs in geography, criminal justice, and music. Famous alumni include President Lyndon B. Johnson, who has kept company with hundreds of thousands of students seeking a globally diverse education within driving distance of home.

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