In October 2023, the University of Austin received authorization from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to grant degrees and operate as a university. As part of its authorization process, Texas conducted an in-depth review of the University’s financial, operational, curricular, and academic readiness to provide a quality educational experience for our students.

The University has now launched the accreditation process through one of the federally-recognized accrediting agencies. Accreditation is a continuous process overseen by these specialized agencies and undertaken by all universities to ensure the institutions produce quality academic programs, provide adequate support to students, and remain fiscally and operationally strong. Our initial accreditation process is expected to take five to seven years to complete.

As a result, the University will not have official status as a fully accredited university during this period. This affects both our ability to access federal student aid programs and to access federally-guaranteed student loans. It may also impact families’ ability to participate in certain federal tax credits and savings programs (such as 529 college savings plans) related to their attendance at the University of Austin. Each family should consult with their personal tax advisors about how it impacts their personal circumstances.

As a newly established higher education institution, the University of Austin does not currently participate in FSA programs, nor is it otherwise currently designated as an “eligible institution” by the U.S. Department Education such that it or its students are qualified to take advantage of non-FSA programs or benefits that require FSA eligibility. 

Parents and students should consult their own tax advisors and counsel about their eligibility to participate in programs or take advantage of tax-advantaged benefits such as qualified tuition plans (e.g., 529 college savings plans).

At this time, students cannot use federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, etc.) to pay costs of attendance here. Notwithstanding the University's efforts to keep education affordable and the four-year, full-tuition Founders Scholarship for the Fall 2024 entering class, the cost of attendance may still pose a challenge for some families.

The University is committed to working with students who receive an offer of admission to help them and their families meet demonstrated financial need. Specifically, the University will offer need-based grants and work-study (not federal work-study) for those students who are otherwise eligible for federal financial assistance. Details regarding how to apply for University financial aid awards will be provided to applicants who are offered admission.

At this time, students graduating from the University of Austin will earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Studies. Students may concentrate in a particular area of study offered by one of our academic Centers of Inquiry. Concentrations currently offered are: (i) Computing and Data Science; (ii) Economics, Politics, and History; (iii) Ethics and Politics; and (iv) Literature and Creative Writing. As the university expands, we anticipate adding further degrees and programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Individual universities determine their internal policies about accepting credits from institutions that are in the process of seeking accreditation or from unaccredited institutions. In order to ensure that our graduates have clear pathways to graduate study, the University of Austin is executing agreements with other institutions of higher education whereby such institutions recognize a degree from the University of Austin before the completion of the full accreditation process. This would enable our graduates to apply to graduate school and pursue master's and other advanced degree programs at select institutions. 

Please check back to see the status of this topic and a list of those institutions with which we have entered into such agreements.

At this time, credits earned from the University of Austin are non-transferable to other colleges and universities. Should a student withdraw from the University of Austin and transfer to another institution of higher education, they will be unable to transfer their credits.

To address this concern, the University of Austin is executing articulation agreements with other institutions of higher education whereby such institutions recognize and accept credits earned from the University of Austin even before the completion of the full accreditation process. 

Please check back to see the status of this topic and a list of those institutions with which we have entered into such agreements.

At this time, the University of Austin is unable to accept transfer credits from other institutions. A student wishing to transfer into the undergraduate program is required to apply as a first-year applicant. While the University cannot accept transfer credits, an applicant accepted as a first-year student to the University of Austin may, under certain circumstances, apply prior coursework to place out of specific course requirements subject to departmental approval.

At this time, the University of Austin is unable to accept international students who are non-U.S. citizens. All applicants to the university must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. We plan on accepting international students once we meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Please check back to see the status of this topic. 

An applicant who receives an offer of admission from the University of Austin, may defer enrollment for one academic year. For example, a student offered admission for the Fall 2024 term may choose to defer enrollment until Fall 2025. Students may only enroll in the Fall term. Accepted students wishing to defer enrollment for more than one academic year must re-apply at a later date. Any student deferring enrollment forgoes their Founders Scholarship and any financial aid (whether loans, grants, academic or merit scholarships, or otherwise) awarded to such student and will need to re-apply for such financial aid at a future date.

We believe that forming community is an essential part of an educational experience, and thus all undergraduates enrolled in the University of Austin are required to live in university-designated student housing for their first two years. Students should expect to share housing accommodations with roommates. The University believes that by living together, students are more likely to forge a strong sense of community and build a vibrant and healthy learning culture. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis for those students who demonstrate a legitimate medical condition or other need that requires special housing accommodations.

At this time, the University of Austin does not award credit for previously taken Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework or exams. While the University does not award credit, a student may, under certain circumstances, be able to place out of specific course requirements subject to departmental approval.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests is very important to us. This means that we comply with all federal, state and local laws regarding vaccination requirements for college entry. Specifically, the University requires a bacterial meningitis vaccine for every student, unless an applicable, State-recognized exemption applies. For more information, please see the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

Although we believe that a student’s focus should be first and foremost on academics, the University recognizes the importance of athletics and extracurricular activities for students’ overall personal development as well as their mental and physical well-being. Students are encouraged to form their own associations and clubs and to organize intramural athletics and other extracurricular activities. The University seeks to support such initiatives and will have a process whereby students can apply for funding.

University of Austin students have what it takes to found new institutions. As student founders, they are interested in building a healthy campus culture and establishing the institutions and processes that will ensure the success of the University for years to come. Students will have significant opportunities to take real responsibility by serving in student government, participating in campus-wide townhalls, starting extracurricular clubs, organizations and other student-led initiatives, and building the traditions that will define the college experience for generations of future graduates.