UT Austin Student Volunteerism and Participation: Extent and Impact
BACKGROUND
While UT Austin’s 54,000 students gain knowledge in their academic courses, they deepen their overall learning experience when they participate in activities beyond the classroom. Through volunteering in the community and participating in University clubs and organizations, Longhorns develop skills that employers want and skills that serve as the foundation for a meaningful life after graduation.
When UT Austin students volunteer at a food pantry, animal shelter or other philanthropic organization, they are offering their time and talents to make a difference. This commitment results in a win-win relationship for them and the organization. And with 1,100+ student organizations, intramural teams and other ways to get involved, Longhorns can explore their passions and pursuits, and learn as well.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
In the fall of 2024, the Division of Student Affairs set out to understand the full extent and impact of UT Austin student volunteerism and participation in a University club or organization. The Division partnered with the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) at the IC² Institute to conduct the research.
Broad study goals include:
- Estimating how many hours UT Austin students are volunteering in the local community.
- Quantifying the economic impact of these students’ contributions.
- Understanding what skills these students are learning by volunteering in the local community and participating in a University club or organization.
METHODOLOGY
In February 2025, BBR sent a Qualtrics survey to 10,000 randomly selected, registered UT Austin students — this included both undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Of the 10,000 recipients, 806 students (8%) submitted a completed survey. This survey provided a well-rounded look at UT Austin student involvement — capturing time spent, types of organizations, roles and personal impact.
Students shared how their involvement outside the classroom helped them develop seven key skills that employers want as outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): career & self-development; communications; critical thinking; leadership; professionalism; teamwork; technology. The survey also included space for personal reflection, offering firsthand insights into how student involvement shapes their experiences and future careers.
FINDINGS
Volunteerism – The survey revealed that 64% of UT Austin’s 54,000 students have volunteered during their time as a Longhorn and 59% have volunteered within the past year. Based on survey responses, BBR researchers estimate that a student who volunteers spends an average of 160 hours in volunteer service per year. This means that UT Austin students, as a whole, contribute more than 5 million volunteer hours. The economic impact of that contribution is estimated to be more than $100 million dollars. Most students who volunteered — 91% — say that their volunteer experience made a positive impact on their overall experience at UT Austin.
Participation in Student Organizations – A majority of students — 77% — participate in some sort of student organization during their time as a Longhorn. Of the survey respondents who have participated in a student organization, almost all — 93% — say their participation positively impacted their preparation for life after graduation. And most say they picked up skills that will be valuable in their future careers, with 91% saying they picked up teamwork skills; 87% acquiring leadership skills; and 80%, critical thinking skills.
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POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE STUDY
The results of the study have the potential to:
- Raise the visibility of how UT Austin students contribute to the local economy through volunteerism and how they gain essential skills — skills that employers are seeking — through their involvement.
- Help philanthropic organizations, community partners and local leaders better understand how student volunteerism is a powerful economic and educational tool, encouraging them to offer more opportunities for students.
- Inspire more students to volunteer and participate in University organizations, which deepens their college experience and helps them stand out when they enter the workforce.
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