Huston-Tillotson University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Huston-Tillotson blends HBCU traditions with Austin's particular energy. The campus sits on 23 acres just east of downtown Austin, placing students minutes from the state capitol, Sixth Street entertainment district, and the University of Texas campus. This location connects a small, intimate campus to a large city's opportunities. Student organizations include Greek fraternities and sororities from the Divine Nine historically Black Greek organizations, cultural groups, honor societies, and interest-based clubs. These organizations provide leadership development, social connection, and service opportunities that extend learning beyond classrooms. Greek life carries particular significance at HBCUs, with step shows and traditional events drawing community participation. Athletics compete at the NAIA level in the Red River Athletic Conference, with sports including basketball, soccer, track and field, and baseball and softball. Athletic events bring the community together, with basketball games particularly drawing student attendance. Intramural sports extend participation beyond varsity athletes. Campus housing accommodates students in residence halls that build community among those living on campus. The small residential population means everyone knows each other, creating support networks that help students through challenges. Required first-year living on campus establishes these connections early. University events celebrate Black culture and history throughout the year, with Homecoming representing the signature annual celebration. Gospel concerts, cultural performances, and guest speakers connect current students to traditions extending back to the university's founding in 1875.

Location & Surroundings

Huston-Tillotson's campus occupies a historic location in East Austin, just minutes from downtown in a neighborhood experiencing significant change. East Austin has traditionally been home to Austin's African American and Hispanic communities, and the university's presence there reflects this heritage even as the surrounding area gentrifies. Downtown Austin lies within easy walking or biking distance, giving students access to entertainment, restaurants, and employers without requiring cars. The Texas State Capitol, where political science and government students can observe state politics firsthand, sits about a mile away. The University of Texas campus, with its libraries, cultural events, and athletic facilities, provides additional resources just across I-35. Austin's economy has grown tremendously, with technology companies, state government, and the university driving employment and opportunity. Students access internships at companies ranging from tech giants to startups, in state agencies, and in the nonprofit sector that serves Central Texas communities. The live music scene, outdoor recreation along Lady Bird Lake and the greenbelt, and Austin's food culture provide entertainment and quality of life that distinguish the city. The climate brings hot summers that can feel intense for students from cooler regions, mild winters that rarely see freezing temperatures for long, and pleasant fall and spring seasons perfect for outdoor activity. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport provides connections across the country and internationally, making travel home manageable for students from distant locations.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Huston-Tillotson University lists tuition around $15,000 per year before financial aid, with room and board adding roughly $8,000 to $10,000 for students living on campus. However, the net price most students pay falls considerably lower, as the university works to make education affordable for students from modest economic backgrounds. The university awards institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria. Athletic scholarships support student-athletes across sports. Need-based aid, determined through FAFSA completion, helps students whose families cannot afford full costs. Federal Pell Grants and Texas state aid programs provide additional support for qualifying students. As a private institution, Huston-Tillotson offers certain financial aid flexibility not available at public universities. The financial aid office works individually with families to package aid offers that make attendance possible. Students are encouraged to communicate openly about financial concerns, as solutions often exist for those who advocate for themselves. Work-study positions on campus provide income while allowing students to maintain academic focus. Austin's strong economy creates off-campus employment opportunities as well, though the university encourages students to prioritize academics and limit work hours to sustainable levels. Career outcomes benefit from Austin's economic growth and HBCU alumni networks. Graduates find positions in education, business, technology, government, and nonprofit sectors. The university's connections to Austin employers create pathways that students from larger institutions might not access. Alumni maintain relationships that support current students and recent graduates entering the workforce.

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