The University of Texas at Austin vs Trinity University
Trinity University is very selective with a 28.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than The University of Texas at Austin (29.1%). Graduates of The University of Texas at Austin earn $3,453 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,121 vs $71,668). For families earning $48k–$75k, Trinity University is more affordable at $15,774 net price vs $18,618. Students at The University of Texas at Austin graduate with less debt ($20,500 vs $22,954).
Admissions & Outcomes
The University of Texas at Austin has a higher yield rate (48.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1370, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), The University of Texas at Austin is more affordable at $12,972 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $28,972 vs $35,186.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. The University of Texas at Austin enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (25%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
The University of Texas at Austin
- 1 Petroleum Engineering$88,723
- 2 Chemical Engineering$82,830
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,550
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General$79,558
- 5 Business/Commerce, General$76,460
Trinity University
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$77,213
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services$64,990
- 3 Engineering Science$60,320
- 4 Economics$52,107
- 5 Marketing$41,937
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
The University of Texas at Austin
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Trinity University
- 1 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
The University of Texas at Austin
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$40,032
- Est. total cost/year$52,318
- School typePublic
Trinity University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$45,840
- Est. total cost/year$60,196
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University?
Trinity University is more selective with a 28.2% acceptance rate, compared to 29.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,121 compared to $71,668. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Trinity University has a lower net price at $15,774 per year vs $18,618. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at The University of Texas at Austin vs Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Austin has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 87.6%, compared to 81.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: The University of Texas at Austin or Trinity University?
The University of Texas at Austin has a larger international student population at 10% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at The University of Texas at Austin and Trinity University?
At The University of Texas at Austin, Petroleum Engineering graduates earn a median of $88,723 within two years. At Trinity University, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $77,213. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.