Best Universities in Austin: Fees, Courses & Ranking for 2025

Austin isn’t just another U.S. city with good weather and live music. It’s where strong universities and real career outcomes intersect. More than 170 fields of study are offered across universities in Austin, Texas. If you’re comparing cities for your degree, this guide helps you cut through the noise and figure out if Austin’s actually the right move—for your education, your budget, and your future.

Top Universities in Austin

Note: The amount may vary depending on the courses & currency exchange rate.

The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin is Texas' academic heavyweight. It’s globally ranked, and unlike a lot of public universities, it’s wired directly into a serious tech economy. The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. The programs here don’t just teach, they get students hired.

• Engineering (Cockrell School): Top programs in mechanical, civil, electrical, and petroleum engineering.
• McCombs School of Business: MBAs and MS Business Analytics are well-ranked.
• Computer Science (College of Natural Sciences): Strong research in AI, ML, and cybersecurity. UT Austin has research expenditures totaling $1.06 billion for the 2023 fiscal year.
• Campus Life: 1,300+ student groups, massive sports culture, and a vibrant Indian Students Association.

Admission Requirements

Scholarships

Limited for international students. Presidential Scholars Program and some departmental merit aid options exist, but expect competition.

St. Edward’s University

St. Edward's University is a small, private school built around student-faculty connection. It’s not trying to be elite, but it’s focused on making students employable—especially in business and marketing. St. Edward's University ranks 3 in the best colleges for Veterans and 10 in the best undergraduate teaching. A private liberal arts college offering strong faculty interaction and a more intimate academic setup. Internship integration is a strength across majors.

Concordia University Texas

Concordia is a small campus tucked in North Austin, offering practical programs with a high admit rate. It’s a good fallback option if you want to stay in the city without the stress of elite admissions. Concordia University Texas is a leading Christian university that welcomes students from all backgrounds. Concordia balances faith-based learning with career-focused academics. Popular for Nursing and Education, and growing in tech disciplines.

Huston-Tillotson University

HT is the most budget-friendly four-year college in Austin. Small, accessible, and rooted in community, students come here for the essentials, not the extras. Huston-Tillotson University is a historically black university and was the first institution of higher learning in Austin. A small, historically Black college with a close-knit culture and low tuition. Good for students prioritizing affordability and accessibility.

Texas State University (San Marcos)

Not technically in Austin, but close enough to matter. Texas State University is a large public university that delivers decent academics at a much lower price point. Works well if you're chasing ROI over prestige.Located just outside Austin, Texas State offers a big-university experience at a lower cost. The campus is large, diverse, and well-equipped.

High-Demand Programs & Career Relevance

Cost of Living in Austin (Monthly Estimates)

Note: The amount may vary depending on the region & currency exchange rate.

Application Checklist for Indian Students

• Official transcripts (attested, sealed)
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
• SAT/ACT (UG), GRE/GMAT (PG if required)
• Statement of Purpose (custom per university)
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
• Valid passport and financial documents
• I-20 form + Visa documents for F-1 application

Scholarships & Funding Options

• University Aid: UT Austin’s Presidential Scholars Program; limited need-based aid.
• External Scholarships: Fulbright-Nehru, Aga Khan Foundation, Tata Trusts.
• Assistantships: Available at grad level—often cover tuition and offer stipends.

Life in Austin as an Indian Student

• Housing: Dorms or shared flats—shared apartments save costs
• Jobs: Up to 20 hrs/week on-campus under F-1
• Community: Indian grocery stores, temples, restaurants, and one of the strongest Indian Students Associations (ISA) in the U.S.

Final Word

Austin works because it connects the dots. A top-tier university like UT Austin doesn’t just sit in a silo—it feeds directly into one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in the U.S. Costs are manageable, job pipelines are real, and even the second-tier options here benefit from the city’s momentum. Austin has six nonprofit four-year universities.

If your goal is to get a solid degree, land a job, and not burn through ₹50L doing it—start with Austin.