FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP
The University of Austin is proud to announce the Founders Scholarship program, available to the Fall 2024 incoming class. Each member of the class will receive a scholarship worth approximately $130,000 covering the full cost of undergraduate tuition for four years, subject to terms and conditions.
The members of the 2024 entering class are part of a unique cohort of builders and innovators who will partner with University faculty and staff to help build America's next great university. These scholarships recognize the significant vision, character, and commitment it takes to establish a new institution.
Founders Scholars will have the unique opportunity to not only go to college, but to build one.
Recognizing Excellence
Founders Scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to those students who show they have what it takes to step forward and meet the challenges of both the University's innovative curriculum and the rapidly-changing world around them. The students of our first entering class exemplify the University’s guiding entrepreneurial spirit.
Founders Scholars will be engaged with faculty and staff to build the student organizations, institutions and governance for an elite new university. Each Scholar will be expected to take a leadership role in constructing a rich student life community at the University while building traditions and culture for generations of students to come.
Terms and Conditions
The Founders Scholarship program funds scholarships only for students attending the University of Austin who enroll in Fall 2024. The scholarship award can only be used to pay undergraduate tuition here.
Students applying to the University of Austin will automatically be considered for a Founders Scholarship upon submitting their application. Students offered admission to the University will be awarded a Founders Scholarship together with their offer letter. Admitted students must accept their offer and pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit by the Candidate Reply Date in order to hold their seat and claim their Founders Scholarship. Admitted students who fail to accept their offer by the Candidate Reply Date shall have their offer revoked and forfeit the Founders Scholarship award.
Founders Scholarships cannot be carried over to a future academic year if a student chooses to defer their offer of admission. Any student deferring enrollment forgoes any financial aid (whether Founders Scholarship, 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. If a student withdraws from the University or transfers to another institution, any amounts outstanding under the Founders Scholarship award shall be forfeited.
Financial Aid
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, as well as the four-year, full-tuition Founders Scholarship awards 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 both academic and need-based scholarships and will also offer a range of options to support students’ financial needs, including work-study (not federal work-study), access to paid internships, etc., when available.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
At the University of Austin, we want to ensure that every dollar spent advances student education. Building a university from the ground up is an opportunity to re-examine legacy practices and to dramatically reduce administrative and other costs, ensuring funds are directed as much as possible to academics. The University’s financial model avoids administrative excess, prioritizes student experiences and outcomes, and keeps fees to a minimum.
Our innovative curriculum design integrates the liberal arts tradition with a groundbreaking approach to cultivating leadership and entrepreneurship. We take seriously the obligation to deliver this education at an affordable cost. Our graduates will be prepared to thrive both professionally and personally, not saddled with heavy debt burdens.
Please see the table below for an estimated cost of attendance per academic year for a full-time enrolled student.
Student Expenses
Tuition
Student Fees
Books and Supplies*
Housing*
Estimated Cost
$32,500
$1,050
$1,200
$16,500
Description
$10,833 per academic term
Fees all students must pay, additional fees may be incurred
Books, school supplies, and printouts
Mandatory shared housing for first- and second-year students
Personal Expenses^
Transportation*
Meals*
Miscellaneous*
Estimated Cost
$1,000
$6,000
$500
Description
Travel home and local transportation
Three meals a day (plus snacks)
Various personal expenses, e.g., clothing and recreation
Total Estimated Cost*
$58,750
*
Actual costs may vary.
^
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.