frequently
asked questions
faq topics
The Basics
WHAT IS THE UNIVERSITY OF AUSTIN (UATX)?
UATX is a university committed to the fearless pursuit of truth.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
In a word: truth. In a few more words: the fearless pursuit of truth. But perhaps you'd like a slightly longer answer: UATX is committed to freedom of inquiry as the precondition for the pursuit of truth. Others have abandoned this core mission of the university. The pursuit of truth is the very foundation of our university and the reason we believe the most curious, innovative scholars and students are joining us.
DO YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL LOCATION?
Yes. Our campus is located at 522 Congress Ave, STE 300, Austin, TX 78701. We are planning to develop a residential campus in the greater Austin area and have begun the master-planning process.
LAND? BRICK-AND-MORTAR? ARE YOU SERIOUS? ISN’T EVERYTHING ONLINE NOW?
We are old school. We believe human beings think and learn better when they gather in person, in dedicated locations—where they are, to some extent, insulated from the quotidian struggle to make ends meet, and where there is no fundamental distinction between those who teach and those who learn, beyond the extent of their knowledge and wisdom.
DOES UATX HAVE ANY POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS?
No. UATX will remain independent of any political, religious, or other external interest groups.
IS UATX PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? NON-PROFIT OR FOR-PROFIT?
UATX is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
WHY AUSTIN?
Texas is experiencing a historic boom in talent and capital. Austin, in particular, is a hub for builders, innovators, and real-world change-makers—the kind of people we aim to attract and the community we want to contribute to.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF YOUR ADVISORS?
UATX is fortunate to have a diverse board of advisors, who offer advice and expertise across many areas. They are united in their commitment to academic freedom, their belief in the need for reform in higher education, and their aim toward restoring open inquiry and civil discourse. Our advisors are not always in full agreement with each other or all of the choices we make as an institution. This is exactly what we hope for given our commitment to rigorous thinking and spirited debate.
NEARLY EVERY UNIVERSITY SAYS IT STANDS FOR FREEDOM OF INQUIRY. WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT ABOUT YOUR UNIVERSITY?
We mean it. We are alarmed by the rising tide of illiberalism and censoriousness prevalent in America’s universities. We are motivated to reverse this trend, for the good of society. We know there are students, teachers, and citizens who still believe in the core purpose of higher education: the pursuit of truth. That’s why we are building UATX. At each stage of the launch of our university—from hiring staff to building the curriculum to admitting students and hiring faculty—we ask ourselves, “Are we serving the pursuit of truth?”
Accreditation
ARE YOU ACCREDITED?
The University of Austin is currently engaged in the process for determining eligibility to apply for candidate for accreditation status with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidacy status) activities for institutions of higher education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. MSCHE accepts complaints and third-party comments for institutions engaged in the application and candidacy process. Please visit MSCHE's website at www.msche.org for more information. MSCHE provides an online form for the submission of complaints or third-party comments on its website.
WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO COMPLETE THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS?
Accreditation is a five to seven-year process universities must continually undergo. The graduation of a first class of undergraduates is normally a prerequisite for accreditation. We expect the first accreditation cycle to have been completed between 2028 and 2031. After that, UATX, like every other American university, will undergo a new cycle of accreditation every 5, 7, or 10 years, depending upon the accreditation body’s rules.
WILL ACCREDITATION APPLY RETROACTIVELY TO UATX’S FIRST GRADUATING CLASS?
We are working with the accreditors to maximize the chances that our students will graduate with a degree from an accredited institution. If our official accreditation happens shortly after graduation, there are paths possible wherein it would apply retroactively to include the graduation date of the first class. The degrees that our students will earn will meet the high standards demanded by accreditors. In addition, we are also working on articulation agreements with other universities, so that our graduates are recognized as having met high academic standards upon matriculation and would be eligible to apply to graduate school at these universities.
Academics
WHAT DEGREES DO YOU OFFER?
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has granted a Certificate of Authority to UATX to award the degree listed below: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. This certificate does not constitute accreditation; the issuance of this certificate attests only that the institution has met the Board's standards established for nonexempt institutions. Questions or complaints about this institution should be addressed to: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711, 512.427.6200
ARE YOU CURRENTLY ACCEPTING STUDENT APPLICATIONS?
Please see the Dates & Deadlines pages under Admissions for information about specific application plans and when you must apply by.
DOES UATX OFFER ONLINE CLASSES?
We believe that real education is most effectively achieved in face-to-face human communities. Our classes meet almost exclusively in person, though sometimes we employ online instruction to supplement our coursework.
WHAT IS THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM?
UATX’s undergraduate program immerses students in a vibrant community that emphasizes academic rigor, civil discourse, and intellectual risk-taking. Intellectual Foundations (Years 1-2): Our Intellectual Foundations program challenges freshmen and sophomores to confront timeless questions from antiquity to the present. Through close reading and analysis of foundational/canonical texts, UATX’s freshmen and sophomores learn to challenge their beliefs, advance ideas, and solve complex problems. Small, discussion-based seminars cultivate a shared intellectual culture, while weekly lectures encourage students to synthesize ideas across epochs and disciplines. Junior Fellowship (Years 3-4): During their junior and senior years, UATX undergraduates will serve as Junior Fellows, developing specialized knowledge in one or more of our Academic Centers. As the intellectual hubs of UATX, Academic Centers differ from traditional academic departments in being a combination of interdisciplinary research institutes, think tanks, and startup incubators. Students collaborate with accomplished scholars and researchers in the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (CSTEM), the Center for Economics, Politics, & History (CEPH), and/or the Center for Arts & Letters (CAL). During this time, students choose to specialize in one or more areas of study. Polaris Project (Years 1-4): In partnership with scholars and industry leaders, every UATX student spends four years creating and pursuing with purpose a project of significant import for the common good. In so doing, students will cultivate skills, discipline, and prudence by overcoming real-world challenges.
ARE YOU HIRING PROFESSORS?
Yes, we are currently accepting faculty applications. If you are a professor in the job market, we are eager to hear from you. See our Careers page for a list of current openings, and sign up for our email list and select “faculty opportunities” to be alerted when more positions become available.
Admissions
Does the University of Austin participate in Federal Student Financial Aid (FSA) programs? Can students pay their costs of attendance with funds from qualified tuition plans (e.g., 529 college savings plan)?
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., 529college savings plans).
Does the University of Austin make need-based financial aid available to students?
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, 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 offers need-based grants and work-study (not federal work-study) for those students who are otherwise eligible for federal financial assistance. For more information, see Costs & Financial Aid.
Will I be able to apply to graduate school and/or pursue a master's or other advanced degree with a bachelor's degree from the University of Austin before it is accredited?
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.
See also the following FAQ: “Will accreditation apply retroactively to classes that graduate before accreditation is achieved?”.
If I choose to withdraw from the University of Austin and transfer to another institution, would my credits be recognized?
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.
Does the University of Austin accept transfer students?
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.
Does the University of Austin accept international students?
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.
Can an applicant defer the University of Austin’s offer of admission?
An applicant who receives an offer of admission from the University of Austin, may defer enrollment to the immediately subsequent academic year. Students may only enroll in the Fall term at this time. Accepted students wishing to defer enrollment for more than one academic year must re-apply at a later date. Any student deferring enrollment forgoes 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.
What is the University of Austin’s policy regarding student housing?
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. 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.
Does the University of Austin accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?
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.
What is the University of Austin’s immunization policy?
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.
What kinds of athletic and extracurricular opportunities are available to University of Austin students?
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 supports such initiatives and has a process whereby students can apply for funding. See Student Life for more information about specific clubs, sports, and extracurricular opportunities at the University of Austin.
What role do students have in shaping the University of Austin, and what opportunities are there for them to take real responsibility?
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 ensure the success of the University for years to come. Students 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.
Finances
WILL UATX RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDING?
UATX is building a financial model that does not rely on public funding. As a new institution, UATX is not immediately eligible for public funding but it does plan to establish eligibility for such funding at the appropriate time.
SO HOW WILL YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO RUN A UNIVERSITY?
Launching a new university in today’s highly regulated environment is an expensive undertaking. UATX’s supporters and friends have and continue to make the creation of its vision possible with their generous support. UATX has set an initial fundraising goal of $250 million by the fall of 2024 and is well on its way to achieving it.
DON’T UNIVERSITIES COST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO FOUND?
If we were mimicking the traditional model of higher ed, then yes, starting a new university would cost billions. But we’re not doing that. It is true that a good education doesn’t come cheap, but we know that we can do better than the status quo. At UATX, we want to make sure every dollar spent advances the education of our students. Building a university from the ground up affords us the opportunity to reexamine the legacy practices of universities and dramatically slash the cost of university administration, ensuring funds are directed as much as possible to academics. UATX is developing a new financial model that reverses higher ed’s bureaucratic bloat, improves student experience, and keeps fees to a minimum.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT UATX?
You can support us financially by going to our Support Us page. You can also email us at donate@uaustin.org to connect with our advancement team and find out about becoming a UATX Founder (visit our campaign page to learn more). Or you can send a check to: University of Austin, 522 Congress Ave, STE 300, Austin, TX 78701. Make checks payable to “UATX.” UATX is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions to UATX may be tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate tax purposes. Consult with your advisor on specific tax deductibility. UATX’s federal tax identification number is 87-1925354.
I DON’T HAVE MONEY TO DONATE, BUT I WANT TO HELP. WHAT CAN I DO?
We’re grateful for gifts of any size, but there is plenty you can still do if you have no funds to spare. UATX is at its core a community project. You can engage with our growing library of online content. Watch our videos. Share them. Post about us on social media and forward our emails. Tell your friends and family about us. And if you know any smart, fearless scholars or students, send them our way.
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