University of Austin Offers Full-Tuition Scholarships Amidst Ongoing Accreditation Process

Austin, Texas – The University of Austin (UATX), a private liberal arts institution established in 2021, has begun enrolling its first undergraduate cohort in Fall 2024, offering a full-tuition Founders Scholarship to all students in the Class of 2029. This initiative comes as the university navigates the multi-year process to achieve full accreditation, a status it does not yet hold, drawing public commentary on its standing relative to established universities.

The university is currently engaged with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to determine its readiness for candidate for accreditation status. Full accreditation, a multi-year process typically spanning five to seven years, usually requires the graduation of a first class of students. UATX anticipates completing its first accreditation cycle between 2028 and 2031.

Despite not yet being accredited, UATX has received certification from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to award a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree. The institution is actively working on articulation agreements with other universities to ensure its degrees are recognized and that its graduates are eligible for graduate and professional programs before full accreditation is secured.

The Founders Scholarship covers tuition, valued at $130,000 over four years, but students are responsible for estimated annual costs of approximately $26,250, including housing, meals, and fees. UATX, which has raised $200 million by November 2023, does not currently participate in federal student aid programs due to its unaccredited status.

UATX was founded with a stated mission to pursue the "fearless pursuit of truth" and academic freedom, positioning itself as an alternative to what its founders perceive as challenges within traditional higher education institutions. This unique approach and its nascent status have prompted discussions, such as the recent tweet from Corey Walker, who questioned, > "I mean, who is leaving Columbia or NYU for University of Austin? Let's be real, here." The university aims to attract students and faculty committed to open inquiry and civil discourse.