Huston-Tillotson University
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Overview & Academics
Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) is a historically Black university located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1875, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. The institution grants associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across various fields, emphasizing a liberal arts education rooted in social justice, leadership, and global awareness.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business and Technology
- School of Education
- Graduate Programs (notably in Education and Environmental Science)
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Admissions
- Application: Available online with rolling admissions
- Materials: High school transcript or GED, SAT/ACT scores (optional for some students), recommendation letters, personal statement
- Considerations: Holistic review process including leadership, extracurricular involvement, and academic readiness
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Cost
- Tuition (2023-24): Approximately $15,630 per year (undergraduate)
- Room & Board: Around $8,841 per year
- Fees: Roughly $1,240 annually
- Financial Aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal aid available
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Student Population
- Total Enrollment: About 1,100 students
- Undergraduates: ~1,000
- Graduate Students: ~100
- Diverse demographics with a majority of African American students
- Male/Female Ratio: Approximately 38% male, 62% female
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Rankings & Distinctions
- Recognized as one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Texas
- Consistently ranked among top regional colleges and HBCUs for value and social mobility
- Known for fostering first-generation college students and inclusive excellence
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Campus & Culture
- Location: Central East Austin, offering access to the bustling city life and opportunities in the state capital
- Historic 23-acre urban campus with modern and traditional residence halls, academic buildings, and green spaces
- Annual campus traditions include Charter Day, Homecoming, and Faith & Justice Week
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness
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Athletics & Traditions
- NAIA – Red River Athletic Conference
- Teams: Rams and Lady Rams
- Sports: Men’s and women’s basketball, track & field, cross country, soccer, and softball/baseball
- Spirit squad and campus-wide athletic events foster community involvement
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Mission
HTU’s mission is to nurture academic excellence, promote cultural diversity, and develop leaders who are committed to social justice and community service within a global society.
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Leadership & Current Developments
- President: Dr. Melva K. Williams (as of 2024)
- Recent efforts focus on campus modernization, digital technology integration, alumni engagement, and expanding graduate programs
- Strategic initiatives to boost retention, career services, and corporate partnerships
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Programs
- Undergraduate Majors: Biology, Education, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Communication, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Kinesiology, Music, Liberal Arts, Political Science
- Graduate Programs: Master of Education, Master of Natural Science
- Pre-professional Programs: Pre-law, Pre-medicine, Pre-dentistry, Pre-pharmacy
- Special programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, and teacher education
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Campus Life
- On-campus housing options: residence halls for first-year and upperclassmen students
- Dining services featuring diverse cuisine and meal plans
- Annual events: homecoming, convocation, musical performances, speaker series
- Student health, counseling, and career services available
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Student Organizations
- Over 30 active student organizations
- Greek life: several fraternities and sororities
- Academic honor societies and leadership councils
- Clubs for arts, activism, service, faith, and recreation (e.g., Environmental Club, Student Government Association, NAACP chapter)
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Admission Stats
- Acceptance Rate: ~60-70%
- Average GPA of admitted students: 2.8–3.3
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- SAT Middle 50%: 850–1050
- ACT Middle 50%: 16–21
- Test-optional policy in effect for many programs
- Strong emphasis on holistic applicants and first-generation college students


