Introduction
When it comes to the realm of higher education, two prominent names that often come to mind are the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and the University of Oklahoma (OU). Both institutions have a storied history, distinguished academic programs, and a dedicated alumni base. This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of UT Austin and OU, highlighting their strengths, differences, and what sets them apart.
Academics
Undergraduate Programs
UT Austin offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 80 minors, while OU offers approximately 140 majors and 90 minors. Both universities have reputable programs in engineering, business, and liberal arts.
According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2023, UT Austin’s undergraduate engineering program is ranked #7 nationally, while OU’s is ranked #58. In business, UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business is ranked #17, and OU’s Price College of Business is ranked #44.
Graduate Programs
Both UT Austin and OU offer a wide range of graduate programs, including master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees.
UT Austin has a strong reputation in graduate education, with several top-ranked programs. For example, the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2023 place UT Austin’s graduate engineering program at #5 nationally, and its graduate business program at #11.
OU also has several notable graduate programs. Its College of Dentistry is ranked #15 nationally, and its Health Sciences Center is recognized for its programs in nursing, pharmacy, and public health.
Research
Both UT Austin and OU are actively engaged in research, with a combined annual research expenditure of over $1 billion.
UT Austin has consistently been among the top research universities in the country. According to the National Science Foundation, UT Austin received over $820 million in federal research funding in 2022, ranking it among the top 10 universities in the nation.
OU has also made significant strides in research, with a focus on areas such as health sciences, energy, and environmental sustainability. The university received over $165 million in federal research funding in 2022.
Student Life
Campus Culture
UT Austin is known for its vibrant and diverse student body, with over 51,000 students from all over the world. The university fosters a sense of community through its numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic programs.
OU has a smaller student body of approximately 33,000 students. The campus is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong focus on student engagement and career preparation.
Housing
Both UT Austin and OU offer various housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses.
UT Austin guarantees on-campus housing for all first-year students and offers a wide range of residence halls, including themed and living-learning communities. OU also offers a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments.
Athletics
Both UT Austin and OU have strong Division I athletics programs with proud traditions.
Football
UT Austin’s football team competes in the Big 12 Conference and has won six national championships. The Longhorns have a passionate fan base and play their home games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, which has a capacity of over 100,000.
OU’s football team also competes in the Big 12 Conference and has won seven national championships. The Sooners have a strong home-field advantage at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, which seats over 80,000 fans.
Other Sports
Both UT Austin and OU excel in other sports besides football. UT Austin is particularly known for its strong women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs. OU has a successful men’s basketball program and has competed in the College Football Playoff multiple times.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees vary depending on the program of study and residency status. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at UT Austin are approximately $12,000 per year, while non-resident tuition is approximately $37,000 per year.
At OU, in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are approximately $10,000 per year, while non-resident tuition is approximately $27,000 per year.
Financial Aid
Both UT Austin and OU offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
UT Austin awarded over $700 million in financial aid to undergraduate students in 2022-2023. The university has a need-blind admissions policy, meaning it does not consider an applicant’s financial need in the admissions process.
OU awarded over $300 million in financial aid to undergraduate students in 2022-2023. The university offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based scholarships and scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Location
Austin vs. Norman
UT Austin is located in the vibrant and growing city of Austin, which is known for its tech industry, live music scene, and outdoor recreation.
OU is located in Norman, a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 120,000 people. Norman offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of community and college town culture.
Proximity to Other Cities
Austin is located within driving distance of other major cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Norman is located approximately 20 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Alumni Network
Both UT Austin and OU have a strong and active alumni network around the world.
UT Austin Alumni
UT Austin has over 500,000 living alumni who work in a wide range of industries and professions. Notable alumni include Robert Strauss (U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Secretary of Commerce), Michael Dell (founder of Dell Technologies), and Elon Musk (founder of Tesla and SpaceX).
OU Alumni
OU has over 250,000 living alumni who are actively involved in their communities and in the university. Notable alumni include Jim Thorpe (Olympic gold medalist and NFL player), Fred Jones (owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder), and Stacy Abrams (politician and voting rights activist).
Conclusion
UT Austin and OU are both excellent universities with a rich history and a dedication to academic excellence. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that make them unique.
UT Austin boasts a larger student body, a stronger research profile, and a more extensive alumni network. OU offers a more intimate campus experience, lower tuition costs, and a strong focus on student engagement.
Ultimately, the best university for a particular student depends on their individual needs, preferences, and aspirations. Whether they choose UT Austin or OU, they can be confident that they are investing in a high-quality education from a respected institution.
Additional Information
Admissions Statistics
| University | Acceptance Rate | Average GPA | Average SAT Score | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | 39.9% | 3.84 | 1367 | 32 |
| OU | 75.2% | 3.67 | 1190 | 26 |
Enrollment Figures
| University | Undergraduate Enrollment | Graduate Enrollment | Total Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | 51,634 | 13,701 | 65,335 |
| OU | 33,003 | 7,131 | 40,134 |
Research Funding
| University | Federal Research Funding (2022) |
|---|---|
| UT Austin | $820 million |
| OU | $165 million |
Tuition and Fees (2023-2024)
| University | In-State Tuition | Non-Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | $12,000 | $37,000 |
| OU | $10,182 | $26,788 |