COSTS, scholarships,

and FINANCIAL AId

OVERVIEW
Financial Aid
What You Need to Apply
Founders Scholarship
LONSDALE MAGARO BUILD SCHOLARSHIP
Merit-first scholarships
Need-based FINANCIAL AID 
Other Scholarships
Free CLT Exam Registration

every student pays $0 IN TUITION. 

At the University of Austin, tuition is covered by a full scholarship.

See the table below for an estimated cost of attendance per academic year for a full-time student.

Billed Expenses
Tuition
Student Fees*
Housing*
Estimated Cost
$0
$1,050
$14,750
Description
$32,500 - $32,500 (Founders Scholarship) = $0. $10,833 per academic term, covered by generous Founders Scholarships.
Includes required student fees. Additional fees may be incurred.
Required housing for first- and second-year students.
Additional Expenses
Meals*
Books & Supplies*
Travel & Transportation*
Miscellaneous*
Total Estimated Cost (without Optional Health Insurance)
Estimated Cost
$6,000
$1,200
$1,000
$500
$24,500
Description
The University does not offer a meal plan. Estimate based on three meals per day.
Includes cost of books, school supplies, etc.
Covers both travel home and local transportation.
Covers various personal expenses (e.g., clothing, dry cleaning, recreational activities in Austin, etc.).
*

Actual costs may vary.

^

These costs will vary according to the student’s needs and circumstances and are not billed directly to the student by the University. The University of Austin Student Health Insurance Plan is not included in the standard Estimated Cost of Attendance and is a separate, billable cost of approximately $3,600 if the student cannot demonstrate coverage by a comparable insurance plan. Note that all students must have effective coverage with a comparable health insurance policy for the entirety of the academic year.

  • Optional Student Health Insurance Plan: Estimated at $3,300. Students will be automatically enrolled unless they submit a health insurance waiver by the published deadline. Detailed instructions and deadlines will be sent separately over the summer, with reminders and follow-ups during the first week of classes.
  • If a student does not waive the Optional Student Health Insurance Plan, the total estimated cost of attendance will increase to $27,800.
  • Housing Details:
    • The housing fee covers basic accommodations from August 30, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
    • Students are responsible for any parking, damages, and utility overages, which will be billed separately through the resident portal with Union on 24th.
    • A $200 refundable Damages Deposit will be collected prior to move-in. Any assessed damages upon move-out will be deducted from this deposit. If damages exceed the deposit, a Damages Bill will be assessed against the student’s account.
    • A $2,000 non-refundable Prepayment (advance rent) is due by July 31, 2025. The Prepayment will be applied toward Housing Fees for the first term.

1. Founders Scholarship

All students in the Class of 2029 receive full-tuition scholarships for all four years—a $130,000 value. See here for terms and conditions.

2. LONSDALE MAGARO BUILD SCHOLARSHIP 

Students with top test scores (SAT 1500+, ACT 34+, or CLT 108+) can apply for the most prestigious scholarship: an unconditional, $100,000 award over four years for students who want to build great companies and solve real-world problems. Scholars receive personal mentorship from top entrepreneurs and investors, including Joe Lonsdale and Alex Magaro. The ideal candidate is strong in STEM, committed to liberty and innovation, and wants to make a big impact on America’s future. Note the Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship will be awarded in addition to the Founders Scholarship. See here for terms and conditions.

3. Merit-first scholarships

This merit-based scholarship program rewards exceptional performance on standardized tests, affirming UATX’s commitment to intellectual excellence and academic rigor. Awards are granted independent of financial need, ensuring that high-achieving students are recognized solely for their academic performance.

All incoming undergraduate students are welcome to apply so long as they scored above 1460 on the SAT, 33 on the ACT or 105 on the CLT. Note Merit Scholarships are awarded for the first year only based on standardized test scores. To continue receiving merit scholarships in subsequent years, students must reapply annually, and awards will be determined solely based on academic performance at UATX (GPA).

Students who are awarded the Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship are not eligible for any additional merit-based financial aid.

4. Need-based FINANCIAL AID 

UATX is committed to helping admitted students and their families meet demonstrated financial  need through need-based grants and UATX-funded work-study (not federal work-study),  available to those eligible for federal aid. 

To apply, students must submit an Application for Financial Aid to the UATX Office of Financial Aid via their application portal. Submitting the FAFSA early is strongly encouraged to avoid delays. At this time, federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants) cannot be used to cover costs at UATX. 

The priority deadline to submit your financial aid application is June 15. 

5. Other Scholarships

The University of Austin offers a limited number of additional scholarships, including academic, merit-based, and need-based awards. While these scholarships are competitive and limited, they are available and accessible to admitted students.

Students who have been offered admission will automatically receive more information about these scholarships and may apply through the University’s admitted student portal.

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