University of Texas at Austin

Overview

The idea for a university in Texas was first proposed in 1839, but a series of delays meant that the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) was not established until 1883. When it opened, it had just one building, eight professors, and 221 students.

Today, UT Austin is a globally recognized institution of higher learning, known for its research focus, and serves over 51,000 students each year with a faculty of approximately 3,000. The university boasts 18 highly-ranked colleges and schools, 17 libraries, seven museums, and the iconic 307-foot tower that stands as a landmark on campus.

With a strong emphasis on creativity, entrepreneurship, and community service, UT Austin’s mission is to “transform lives for the benefit of society.” Its alumni include notable figures such as actors Matthew McConaughey and Marcia Gay Harden, director Robert Rodriguez, and journalists Bill Moyers and Walter Cronkite.