How does the size of UT Austin compare to other campuses?

I know UT Austin is pretty big, but how does it compare with other major universities? Does the size impact class sizes or make it harder to get personalized attention? I’m trying to see if it's too big for my comfort.

Yes, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has one of the largest student populations in the U.S, with student enrollment crossing 50,000. Many other big names in public universities such as The Ohio State University and University of Florida also have similarly large student bodies.

Student-to-faculty ratio is a common way to ascertain the size of classes as it gives a rough estimate of class size. UT Austin's student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, which is actually slightly better than the national average for large universities. However, remember that this can vary largely based on the specific program and year of study.

The size of a university can impact the level of personalized attention you receive, but this isn't always a black and white issue. At big schools like UT Austin, you might be in large lecture halls for some introductory or general education courses, but class sizes usually shrink quite a bit when you move into upper-level courses in your major.

Besides, large universities often have robust resources such as research facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and diverse course offerings. Personalized attention can also be sought through office hours, study groups, and reaching out to professors and teaching assistants proactively.

In terms of physical space, UT Austin covers about 431 acres in the heart of Austin, Texas. This ranks it as one of the larger campuses in terms of physical space. However, many universities, particularly large state schools, also have sizable campuses. For example, The University of Central Florida's campus covers over 1,400 acres.

In the end, comfort with the size of the school is dependent on personal preference. Some students thrive in a larger campus and enjoy the numerous opportunities that come with it, while others might prefer the intimate setting of a smaller college. It can be helpful to explore the campus, virtually or in person, talk to current students, and imagine your daily routine to get a better sense of what feels right for you.