More than three times as many students applied to The University of Texas at San Antonio in October as in the same month in 2024.
During the first-ever Texas Free College Application Week, Oct. 13-19, UT San Antonio received 16,000 applications from prospective students.
Across the state, more than 260,000 applications were submitted to public colleges and universities in Texas, a 495% increase over the same week last year, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The board also reported that the initiative, created through SB 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, resulted in millions of dollars in application fees saved.
The new law requires all public higher education institutions in the state to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs.
“It’s exciting to see so many students express interest in UT San Antonio. Waiving the college application fee helps open the door for more students to see themselves in higher education,” said Lynn Barnes, senior vice provost for strategic enrollment.
“UT San Antonio creates more pathways for students to pursue their ambitions and achieve their goals,” Barnes said. “By removing financial barriers and expanding opportunities to connect with us, we’re helping more Texans see just how attainable and valuable a UT San Antonio degree can be.”
Energy of campus life
The momentum of Free Application Week continued Oct. 25 with Roadrunner Preview, the university’s signature open house for prospective students and their families.
Formerly known as UTSA Day, the event brought nearly 2,000 participants to the university’s Main Campus to explore academic programs, meet faculty and current students and experience the energy of campus life.
Roadrunner Preview featured information sessions, browsing fairs, open houses and multiple campus tour options, giving visitors a full picture of the UT San Antonio experience.
From touring residence halls and classrooms to meeting with admissions and financial aid staff, families and prospective students were able to explore how UT San Antonio combines academic excellence with affordability.
The university hosts three Roadrunner Preview events each year — once in the fall and twice in the spring. Prospective and admitted students can learn more and register for the next Roadrunner Preview set for Feb. 21.
This fall, UT San Antonio experienced a 7% increase in enrollment at its academic campus compared to last year.
Combined with the university’s health campus, UT San Antonio now enrolls more than 42,000 students.
Steady enrollment growth over the last several years — and the integration of UTSA and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio — have strengthened UT San Antonio’s position as a university of choice for students both within and beyond the state.
Next year’s Free College Application Week will take place during the second full week of October.
