As many UT-Austin administrators say the Top 10 Percent Rule hurts the university’s national prestige, the college is focused on helping UT-Austin students who might not have otherwise been admitted. This is part of the Tribune’s “The Price of Admission” series.
Matthew Watkins
Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. He is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended Texas A&M University and has spent his entire professional career in Texas journalism, including stints at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined The Texas Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. He has helped guide the Tribune's award-winning journalism that has included coverage of six legislative sessions, multiple election cycles, natural disasters and political scandals. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
Posted in
The Price of Admission
At Schools Just Miles Apart, a World of Contrast in Paths to College
The Top 10 Percent Rule aims to give all Texas public high school students an equal shot at getting into the state’s top public universities. But that doesn’t guarantee that qualifying students will seize that opportunity. This story is part of the Tribune’s “Price of Admission” series.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Guns Up: Texas Tech Will Allow Firearms in Classrooms, Some Dorms
Texas Tech University plans to ban guns in its recreation center, chapel and some dorms but won’t prevent students with concealed handgun licenses from carrying in classrooms, according to an operating policy issued Tuesday.
Posted in
The Price of Admission
Attempt to Boost Diversity at Texas Colleges Could Kill Affirmative Action
The controversy over Texas’ Top 10 Percent Rule for college admissions shows how fraught the debate over race and higher education has become. This story is part of our “Price of Admission” series.
Posted in
Ballpark Figures
Students Pitching In More as Texas Universities’ Athletics Costs Climb
As the cost to run a top-level college athletics department increases, there’s a growing trend of Texas schools reaching into their students’ pockets to help pay for their athletic ambitions. This story is part of our “Ballpark Figures” project.
Posted inHigher Education
Ballpark Figures: Dive Into the Finances of Texas College Athletics
Use our “Ballpark Figures” app to look at revenues and expenses for the eight public Texas universities that play in the Football Bowl Subdivision. You can also compare schools to see how they stack up against one another.
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Ballpark Figures
Protecting the Weak Side: College Football Revenue Props Up Other Sports
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament may have the nation’s attention now, but football is the true cash cow in Texas college sports, according to records reviewed as part of the Tribune’s Ballpark Figures project.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Baylor Says It’s Improving Handling of Sexual Assault Cases
At a hearing in Austin Tuesday, Baylor University officials didn’t address specific incidents that have put the school under a national microscope and raised concerns that it routinely ignores the needs of victims.
Posted in
Higher Education
Senate Republican Leaders Express Concern Over Tuition Hikes
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Kel Seliger expressed frustration Friday with Texas university presidents over recent decisions to raise tuition again this year.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
For New UT-Dallas President, Campus Carry Debate is Personal
After watching in horror nine years ago as the building that housed his office at Virginia Tech University was attacked by a gunman, Richard Benson is preparing to lead a Texas university about to implement a new campus carry law.
