University of Texas LBJ School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
The LBJ School enrolls approximately 300 graduate students, creating intimate cohorts where students know each other and faculty well. The school's building on UT Austin's campus provides dedicated space for classes, study, and community building. Professional development programming, career services, and alumni networking complement academic work. Austin's distinctive culture makes it an appealing location for graduate study. The city's music scene, restaurant culture, outdoor recreation, and tech industry create a vibrant environment beyond policy studies. Students balance intensive academics with Austin lifestyle, though program demands require careful time management. The city's relatively affordable cost of living compared to coastal cities helps student budgets. LBJ School students typically engage with Austin's policy community through internships, volunteer work, and professional activities. The State Capitol's proximity enables regular attendance at legislative hearings and engagement with state government. Student organizations focus on policy areas, identity groups, and social activities, building networks that extend into careers.
Location & Surroundings
Austin, Texas serves as an ideal location for public policy education, combining state capital functions with a dynamic economy and progressive culture unusual for Texas. The University of Texas campus occupies a prime location near downtown and the State Capitol, providing convenient access to government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the growing technology sector. The city has experienced remarkable growth, transforming from a government and university town into a major technology hub attracting employers and talent from across the country. This dynamism creates policy challenges and opportunities that provide real-time case studies. The growth also creates affordability challenges, though Austin remains less expensive than coastal alternatives. Central Texas climate features hot summers requiring air conditioning reliance, mild winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Outdoor recreation opportunities include extensive trail systems, swimming holes, and Highland Lakes recreation. The region's live music scene, festivals, and food culture provide entertainment options. Austin's airport provides good connectivity for national travel.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for Texas residents at the LBJ School is approximately $12,000-15,000 per year, while non-resident tuition is approximately $25,000-30,000 annually. The two-year programs thus total roughly $25,000-30,000 for residents and $50,000-60,000 for non-residents, notably lower than private policy school alternatives. Living costs in Austin have increased but remain below coastal cities, with budgets of $20,000-25,000 annually typical. Financial aid includes fellowships covering partial to full tuition, graduate assistant positions, and federal loans. The LBJ School commits significant resources to student support, with most students receiving some form of financial assistance. In-state tuition rates are available after one year of Texas residency, creating incentives for extended engagement with the state. Career outcomes for LBJ School graduates span government at all levels, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and increasingly the technology sector. Texas state government, the federal government, and policy organizations in Austin and Washington are major employers. Starting salaries vary considerably by sector, typically ranging from $50,000-75,000 for government and nonprofit roles to higher figures for consulting and private sector positions. The LBJ School network provides valuable connections throughout Texas and national policy communities.
Campus Location
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