Engineering is one of the fastest-growing colleges at the University of North Texas, benefiting directly from UNT's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a major hub for aerospace, defense, telecom, and semiconductor employers. UNT's overall admissions process is checklist-driven rather than comparative, and Engineering follows the same general shape, with GPA as the clearest lever international applicants control.
This article covers the acceptance picture for Engineering specifically, cost, admission requirements, English-test rules, and career outcomes.
Acceptance Rate
UNT does not publish a College of Engineering-specific acceptance rate; admission into most undergraduate engineering majors follows UNT's general university admission process rather than a separate, capped-seat review. For graduate engineering programs, third-party sourced guidance (not confirmed directly against a single official UNT page for every department) suggests master's-level admission typically expects an undergraduate GPA around 3.0, while doctoral admission typically expects a GPA around 3.5 at the undergraduate or master's level. Individual departments within Engineering (Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Energy Engineering) may set their own specific thresholds, so confirm with the department you're applying to.
UNT's university-wide figures remain the most reliable reference point: an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of approximately 71% for Fall 2025, with a third-party-estimated international acceptance rate around 41%, more selective than the domestic pool.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Engineering students pay UNT's standard international cost structure, with tuition varying somewhat by college due to differential tuition.
| Cost item | Undergraduate (International) |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | ~$22,521/year (UNT's own published College of Engineering estimate) |
| Living expenses (housing, meals) | ~$18,955/year |
| Other expenses (books, insurance, supplies) | ~$3,926/year |
| Total estimated cost of attendance | ~$45,402/year |
For the full university-wide cost picture and graduate estimates, see the UNT guide.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application via ApplyTexas or the Common Application
- Official secondary school transcripts, with certified English translations if not originally in English
- UNT is test-optional; international applicants should aim for the equivalent of roughly a 3.0/4.0 GPA
- Evidence of English proficiency (see below), unless exempt
- International application fee and financial documentation for I-20/visa processing
- Graduate applicants: an undergraduate GPA around 3.0 for most master's programs, around 3.5 for doctoral admission (third-party sourced guidance; confirm with your specific department), plus GRE for some departments (historically required by Computer Science and Engineering departments for most applicants, though policy varies and shifts by cycle)
How to Get Into UNT's College of Engineering
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Treat the 3.0 GPA figure as a floor for graduate admission, not a target. Because UNT's engineering departments vary in how strictly they apply GPA and GRE policy, a GPA meaningfully above 3.0 gives you more room if a specific department's bar runs higher.
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Confirm GRE policy with your specific department early. Engineering departments have historically been stricter about requiring the GRE than some other UNT colleges, so don't assume it's optional without checking.
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Build a strong math and science foundation before you apply. Because engineering coursework is heavily sequenced, a transcript showing strong performance in calculus, physics, and chemistry strengthens both your admission file and your preparedness for the program.
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Clear the English proficiency bar with margin. Engineering coursework involves substantial technical writing and lab reporting, so scoring above UNT's stated minimum reduces friction in a demanding first year.
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Get your financial documentation ready early, since UNT's international admission decisions typically move faster than visa and I-20 processing.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Engineering applicants follow UNT's university-wide English proficiency minimums; there is no separately published Engineering-specific override in the sources reviewed.
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 (before Jan 21, 2026); 4 on the redesigned scale (from Jan 21, 2026) |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
For the full set of waivers and score-validity rules, see the UNT guide.
Career Outcomes
UNT's Engineering graduates benefit directly from the Dallas-Fort Worth job market, one of the largest and fastest-growing in the US for aerospace, defense, telecom, and tech employers. Third-party salary aggregators put UNT's highest-paying undergraduate majors in engineering fields, with computer engineering and electrical/electronics engineering graduates reporting median first-year earnings in the high-$60,000s; UNT does not appear to publish a single official, program-by-program starting salary table, so treat this as a directional estimate.
Engineering degrees are STEM-designated, qualifying graduates for the standard 12-month OPT period plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to three years of US work authorization after graduation.
FAQ
Does UNT publish an acceptance rate for Engineering specifically? No. Undergraduate engineering admission generally follows UNT's university-wide process. Graduate admission varies by department, with third-party guidance suggesting a GPA around 3.0 for master's and 3.5 for doctoral programs.
Is the GRE required for UNT Engineering graduate programs? It has historically been required by departments like Computer Science and Engineering for most applicants, but policy varies and shifts by cycle, so confirm with your specific department.
How much does UNT Engineering cost for international undergraduates? UNT's own published estimate for the College of Engineering is about $45,402/year, including tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for UNT Engineering? The same as UNT's university-wide minimums: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 (4 on the redesigned scale from January 2026).
Does UNT Engineering qualify for STEM OPT? Yes. Engineering degrees are STEM-designated, so graduates qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of standard 12-month OPT.