The University of Texas at Austin, often called UT or Texas, is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. The main campus is located less than a mile from the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Founded in 1883, the University is sometimes referred to as a "Public Ivy," and it is currently (as of Fall 2005) the fifth largest single-campus in the nation by enrollment (and had the largest enrollment in the country from 1997–2003), with upwards of 50,000 students and 20,000 faculty and staff.Enrollment & Essentials The University of Texas Office of Public Affairs. Accessed 1 December 2005.

The University also operates various auxiliary facilities located away from the main campus, most notably the J.J. Pickle Research Campus. Texas is a major center for academic research, annually exceeding $380 million in funding. In addition, the University's athletic programs are notable, as demonstrated by Texas's recognition as "America's Best Sports College" in a 2002 analysis performed by Sports Illustrated. In January 2006, Texas won the Division I-A national football championship by beating the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl.

The University of Texas at Austin has a network of over 450,000 living alumni, one of the largest of any American university.Campus Profile The University of Texas. Accessed 1 December 2005.