Texas Public University GPA Requirements
Texas admissions uniquely incorporate top‑percent automatic admissions by high school rank (e.g., Top 10% statewide, Top 6% for UT Austin freshman classes by year). GPA targets vary across campuses and majors.
Typical Ranges & Notes
| Institution | Competitive GPA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UT Austin (selective majors) | 3.8–4.0+ | Top 6% auto‑admit; major review competitive |
| Texas A&M | 3.6–3.9+ | Program‑specific review |
| Texas Tech / UH / UT Dallas | 3.3–3.8 | Varies by college/major |
Transfer Insights
- Use official equivalency guides; complete math/English sequence early
- STEM/business pathways often require higher GPA and specific prerequisites
- Build an upward trend if earlier terms were weak
Auto‑Admit Top % Rule: Practical Notes
Texas uses class‑rank based automatic admissions at certain universities, commonly referred to as the Top Percent Rule. The exact threshold (e.g., Top 10% statewide, Top 6% for UT Austin in some years) and implementation are determined annually and may vary by campus. Automatic admission to the university does not guarantee admission to specific selective majors, which may conduct additional holistic review.
- Holistic review majors: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Nursing often exceed campus averages
- Context matters: Rigor of coursework, school profile, and trends can influence outcomes
- Alternate majors: Consider listing a second‑choice major with lower selectivity
Competitive Majors and Typical GPA Targets
| Major Category | Competitive HS GPA | Transfer GPA Guidance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering / Computer Science | 3.8–4.0+ | 3.4–3.8+ | Strong math sequence; programming/physics preferred |
| Business | 3.6–3.9 | 3.2–3.6 | Calculus/Statistics; leadership valued |
| Nursing / Health | 3.6–3.9 | 3.4–3.8 | Limited seats; clinical/prereqs critical |
| Liberal Arts / Social Sciences | 3.2–3.6 | 2.9–3.4 | Holistic review; strong writing helps |
Application Strategy for Texas Applicants
- Build a balanced list: At least 1-2 reach, 2-3 match, 1-2 safety campuses
- Use ApplyTexas early: Submit early for priority scholarship consideration
- Demonstrate rigor: Take advanced math/science and write strong essays where required
- Consider honors colleges: Separate applications with higher GPA expectations
Financial Aid & Scholarships (GPA Context)
- State programs: Texas grant and institutional merit awards may specify GPA and credit milestones
- Renewal GPAs: Many merit awards require maintaining a 3.0–3.3+ college GPA
- Departmental awards: Competitive majors may offer separate scholarships
Tools & Planning
FAQs
Does automatic admission guarantee my first‑choice major?
No. Automatic university admission and major admission are separate at selective colleges. Many competitive majors use additional holistic review.
How can I strengthen my transfer application?
Complete math/English early, finish major prerequisites with strong grades, and show an upward GPA trend over recent terms.
Should I choose a less selective major and change later?
Policies vary by campus and college. Some majors restrict internal transfer. Research each university’s change‑of‑major rules before applying.