Austin-Area Universities and Colleges Welcome New Classes

As summer vacation ends, Austin’s universities and colleges are set to welcome new and returning students. Notable developments include a new university on Congress Avenue, free tuition initiatives, and new housing complexes.

Here are the key dates for the start of classes at Austin-area institutions:

University of Texas — Aug. 26

Classes at the University of Texas begin on Monday. Residence halls opened last Friday as the university launched its annual " Mooov-In" event. UT's enrollment surpasses 51,000 students, the majority living off campus.

Last semester saw pro-Palestinian protests and subsequent police action with mass arrests, leading to disciplinary proceedings and suspensions for some students. Over the summer, staff members opposed the sudden end to remote work, a decision praised by Gov. Greg Abbott here. The 49 staff members in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles were laid off by July 5.

UT also received multiple national grants for semiconductor manufacturing and computing and joined the Southeastern Conference, celebrated with a Pitbull performance. Football season begins Saturday.

University of Austin — Sept. 9

The University of Austin will open on September 9, a year after obtaining approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer undergraduate degrees. Situated on the third floor of the Scarbrough Building downtown, UATX emphasizes foundational learning, free speech, and innovation. The inaugural class of 100 students will receive free tuition.

Led by founders Pano Kanelos, Joe Lonsdale, Bari Weiss, and Niall Ferguson, UATX has faced criticism for its perceived political bent, despite assertions of nonpartisanship. The university is pioneering new models, including a founding constitution and a bitcoin endowment.

Austin Community College — Aug. 26

Austin Community College begins classes on Monday, supported by House Bill 8 which altered college funding. ACC is offering affordability scholarships and launching a free-tuition pilot program for eligible 2024 high school graduates. Enrollment has increased by 15% from last year, totaling 34,620 students as of Aug. 8.

ACC has partnered with UT and Texas State University to bolster the semiconductor workforce and create a transfer program called "Bats to Cats."

St. Edward's University — Aug. 26

St. Edward's University classes start on Monday. With an enrollment of 2,700 students, the university boasts a focus on experiential learning and a high national ranking.

Last spring, controversy erupted over the removal of a pride flag from a campus café. President Montserrat Fuentes eventually reinstated the flag after a vote of no confidence from the Faculty Council due to shared governance concerns. Fuentes remains in her post.

Huston-Tillotson University — Aug. 26

Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black institution on Chicon Street, resumes classes on Monday. With about 1,100 students, President Melva Wallace was named the Most Innovative Leader of 2024 by the National College Resource Foundation and the Black College Expo this month.

The university’s choir recently performed at the LBJ Presidential Library’s commemoration of the Civil Rights Act with President Joe Biden.

Concordia University Texas — Aug. 26

Concordia University Texas, a private Lutheran institution with 1,700 students, starts classes on Monday. This year marks the last for President Donald Christian, who will retire in June 2025.

The university has introduced "The Right Call Initiative," reducing tuition by 40% to $23,500 annually, including textbooks.

For more information on other Texas universities, visit: When do Texas college students return to campus?