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University of Texas at Austin vs Texas A&M University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

University of Texas at Austin

College Station, TX

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

Texas A&M University

Austin, TX

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	University of Texas at Austin	Texas A&M University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	63.2%	29.1%	University of Texas at Austin (easier)
Average SAT	1260	1360	Texas A&M University
Enrollment	78,501	55,710	University of Texas at Austin larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$72,097	$75,121	Texas A&M University
Median Debt	$17,804	$20,500	University of Texas at Austin lower
Pell Grant Rate	19.0%	25.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

University of Texas at Austin

Texas A&M University

Top majors

University of Texas at Austin

Engineering 17.2%

Business/Marketing 14.2%

Biological Sciences 8.9%

Agriculture 7.5%

Health Professions 7.1%

Texas A&M University

Engineering 13.7%

Business/Marketing 11.6%

Biological Sciences 11.4%

Communication 10.6%

Social Sciences 8.8%

Which Should You Choose?

Both University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: University of Texas at Austin is in College Station, TX while Texas A&M University is in Austin, TX
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

University of Texas at Austin vs Texas A&M University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is harder to get into, with a 29.1% acceptance rate vs University of Texas at Austin's 63.2%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University?

University of Texas at Austin has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($32,696/yr) vs Texas A&M University ($31,247/yr) — a difference of $1,449/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $20,143/yr at University of Texas at Austin vs $19,709/yr at Texas A&M University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University graduates earn more — a median of $75,121 10 years post-grad, vs $72,097 at University of Texas at Austin. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University?

It depends on your priorities. University of Texas at Austin is in College Station, TX; Texas A&M University is in Austin, TX. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University?

Both University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — University of Texas at Austin's salary page and Texas A&M University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.