


Courtesy of The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington began in 1895 as Arlington College, a private school, and became a public university through several changes in name and governance. Its history helps explain why the institution combines undergraduate teaching, professional programs and research.
After its early years as a private school, the institution joined the Texas A&M system in 1917 as Grubbs Vocational College. It later operated as North Texas Agricultural College and Arlington State College. In 1967, it joined the University of Texas System and adopted its current name. The shift from an agricultural college to a comprehensive university brought a broader range of degrees and graduate study. UTA is distinct from the University of Texas at Austin and other UT System institutions; applicants should use Arlington-specific policies and costs.
UT Arlington is organized into colleges and schools spanning the arts, sciences and professional fields. Its academic units include the colleges of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; Business; Education; Engineering; Liberal Arts; Nursing and Health Innovation; and Science, along with the School of Social Work, Honors College and graduate-level academic administration.
Students can pursue bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Examples range from computer science and mechanical engineering to accounting, architecture, biology, education, nursing and social work. The academic unit matters when comparing programs: an engineering major may have different prerequisite sequences and laboratory demands from a liberal arts major, while nursing and other practice-based programs can have separate admission or clinical requirements. Prospective students should check the catalog for the specific degree plan and the term in which they intend to enroll.
UT Arlington's main campus is in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth. The city gives students access to a large metropolitan job market, but getting to campus is an important practical consideration for commuters.
Arlington is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area rather than a downtown Dallas or Fort Worth campus. Students may use campus parking and local or regional transportation options, but should check routes and travel times from their own address rather than assume that a nearby city has a direct transit connection. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is a useful regional airport for students traveling longer distances. The campus's location may be especially relevant to students seeking internships in the wider metro area while continuing to live at home.
UT Arlington describes its mission in terms of education, research and public service. Its stated priorities include expanding access to learning, producing knowledge and applying university expertise to community needs.
Those priorities are reflected in a broad mix of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, alongside research activity and partnerships beyond campus. A mission statement describes institutional aims, not an assurance that every student will have the same academic or career outcome. UTA is a public institution in the University of Texas System, not a religiously affiliated college.
Name of the institution
The University of Texas at ArlingtonLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
OtherFoundation year
1895The University of Texas at Arlington is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.