Students pay $0 in tuition.
At the University of Austin, students are eligible for Founders Scholarships, which cover full tuition. Founders Scholarships are awarded to students in the Class of 2030 on a first-come, first-served basis. All scholarships are awarded only when a student deposits and meets all eligibility requirements. 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
$45,000 - $45,000 (Founders Scholarship) = $0. $15,000 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.).
- 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 estimated housing fee covers basic accommodations from August 30, 2025 to June 13, 2026 or August 29, 2026 to June 12, 2027.
- 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.
- For students beginning in Fall 2025 or Fall 2026, a $2,000 non-refundable Prepayment (also referred to as an advance rent deposit) is required by August 1 of the respective entry year (August 1, 2025 or August 1, 2026). This Prepayment will be applied toward Housing Fees for the first term and is non-refundable regardless of subsequent changes in enrollment status.
UATX Financial Aid — 2025-2026
For entry D-Term 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, J-Term 2026, and Fall 2026
Overview
UATX aid is entirely grant-based (no repayment required) and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is limited and secured only once the admission deposit is paid.
Founders Scholarship
All admitted students are considered for the Founders Scholarship, which covers full tuition. Funding is limited, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and secured only with a deposit.
Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship
Students with top test scores (SAT 1500+, ACT 34+, or CLT 105+) may apply for UATX’s most prestigious award: an unconditional $98,000 scholarship over four years for those who aspire to build companies and solve real-world problems. Scholars receive personal mentorship from leading entrepreneurs and investors, including Joe Lonsdale and Alex Magaro. Ideal candidates are strong in STEM, committed to liberty and innovation, and eager to make a major impact on America’s future.
Additional Aid
Need-based grants for housing, meals, books, travel, and fees are available to students who meet both merit and need criteria. Funding is limited, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and secured only with a deposit. Apply here.
Eligibility
Merit
- Incoming: SAT ≥ 1430, ACT ≥ 32, or CLT ≥ 103
- Continuing: Must remain in good academic standing
Need
- Family AGI below $125,000
- Independent students (age 24+, married, veteran, supporting dependents, orphan/ward, or under guardianship) may apply without parent financials
Aid Calculation
- Awards decrease as AGI approaches $125,000
- Adjustments:
- High-cost metros: 10% AGI reduction
- Dependents (after the first): 20% AGI reduction for two dependents, 30% for three dependents, 40% for four dependents, and 50% for dependents five or more. The maximum AGI reduction is 50% for dependents.
- High-cost metros: 10% AGI reduction
Renewal
Aid is annual. Students must reapply with the most recent IRS Form 1040, remain in good standing, and complete up to 20 monthly work-study hours.
Application Process
- Be admitted to UATX
- Submit the financial aid application
- Provide the most recent IRS Form 1040 (student + parents unless independent), qualifying test scores (incoming), and asset disclosure
Deadlines
- New students: April 31, 2026
- Continuing students: May 1, 2026
- Final: June 15, 2026 (or until funds are exhausted)
Aid Offers
Pre-deposit aid offers are non-binding. Awards are finalized only after admission is accepted, the deposit is paid, and verification is complete.
Appeals
Students may appeal within 7 business days of a decision by submitting a petition with supporting evidence of financial hardship not reflected in their most recent tax returns. Appeals are adjudicated within 5 business days.