Founded in 1840 and located in scenic Georgetown, just 30 minutes north of Austin, Southwestern University was the first institution of higher education in Texas. Today, we are a nationally ranked private university that is home to 1,500 students and 110 faculty from across the U.S. and 19 other countries.
SU's liberal arts and sciences curriculum incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences across 37 majors and seven preprofessional programs. Combining dynamic courses with real-world learning experiences, our students develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives and careers, from creating new ideas and collaborating with others to adapting to new normals and solving problems from multiple perspectives. Whether they're teachers, policymakers, artists, or healthcare providers, our graduates hone their thinking and communication skills, develop intercultural and global perspectives, and gain a deep sense of history—all of which enable them to make sense of events and remain resilient while navigating life's inevitable challenges.
SU faculty balance award-winning scholarship with a dedication to one-on-one mentorship. Our students also grow through hands-on experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and civic engagement. The majority of SU students live on campus and find their niche among our 100 student organizations. Our Pirates compete in 20 different NCAA Division III sports, with many more involved in club or intramural sports.
"Southwestern has changed me. I have seen more and done more in four years than I could have ever imagined doing in a lifetime as a high-school senior, and I owe it all to the opportunities afforded to me by Southwestern University." —Danyale Kellogg '19
Southwestern University
1001 E. University Avenue
Georgetown, TX 78626
Telephone: 800.252.3166
E-mail: admissions@southwestern.edu
Website: www.southwestern.edu
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Dean of Admissions
PO Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627-0770
Experience College Life
McCombs Center-Student Center
Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Academic Mall-grassy area in the middle of campus
Korouva Milkbar-student run coffee house
Wolf Ranch Shopping Center
6th St. in Austin
Lake Travis
Georgetown Square
Campus Tours
Weekdays 9am-5pm, Select Saturdays 9am-2pm
512-863-1200
Dates: Year-round
Times: Weekdays - 9am, 12pm, 3pm; Select Saturdays - 9am, 12pm
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Southwestern uses a holistic review process when considering students for admission. In looking for engaged learners, we consider academic performance, including grades earned and challenging courses in areas of interest. In addition, strength and depth of writing samples, participation and demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities, cogency and content of recommendations, and recognition or achievement in national programs allow us to determine how a student will fit within our community. SAT and ACT test scores are optional except in the case of international, home-schooled, and certain named-scholarship applicants. We value the opportunity to get to know students better through an optional interview.
Our mission is to treat all applicants fairly and with respect. In all cases, our decisions are reached by multiple individuals reviewing the application and voting in a manner they believe is in the best interest of both the student and the university. We take this responsibility seriously and recognize that we are helping to shape the futures of our applicants.
Students may choose to apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action, or Regular Decision based on the time frame that works best for the student. Students may apply by submitting a Common Application, an Apply Texas application, or Southwestern's application.
Transfer students—students who have completed at least one semester (12 hours or more) following high-school graduation—are welcomed during the fall and spring semesters and may apply using either the Common Application or Apply Texas. Students should submit an essay, an official high-school transcript, official college transcripts from all schools attended, and a college official's report. An individual interview allows transfer students to ask questions regarding course transferability.
To learn more, visit southwestern.edu/admission.
Career Services and Placement
Southwestern's Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) ranks in the top 20 in the nation for internships The Princeton Review. Students begin using career services during their first year to develop the skills needed to obtain a job or continue their postgraduate education. Our staff provide personalized coaching and innovative programs on important skills such as résumé writing, interviewing, and job search strategies. In addition, our Alumni Network Mentoring and PirateConnect programs empower students to develop their professional networks and receive insider advice through connections with alumni who share their intellectual and cocurricular interests.
Two-thirds of all Southwestern students participate in at least one internship during their college career—the most important factor in successfully achieving postgraduate employment—and 86% of our alumni are employed or in graduate or professional school within 10 months of graduating.
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — December 1
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Southwestern promotes lifelong learning through an integrated liberal arts and sciences program that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. All students take a first-year seminar that sets the stage for critical thinking across the disciplines. Other requirements include social justice, foreign language and culture, and fitness. SU's Paideia philosophy encourages students to dig deeper and make connections between courses, culminating in a capstone experience. Our flexible curriculum enables students to pursue their passions and explore subjects outside their major(s). As a sociology and English double major explains, "It's nice to be able to get a taste of how others may see and understand the world in various other disciplines."
SU provides multiple experiential-learning opportunities, such as study abroad, internships, community-engaged learning, and innovative research programs. Students broaden their perspectives through semesters abroad in London, Spain, Peru, and Argentina; internships in Austin and Washington, DC; and arts apprenticeships in New York City. At least half our students volunteer through campus organizations, alternative spring breaks, and courses with service components. Meanwhile, the King Creativity Fund provides grants to support "innovative and visionary projects" each academic year, and the annual Research and Creative Works Symposium provides an opportunity for students to present original work in an academic conference setting.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Southwestern's 26 academic departments offer 37 majors and seven preprofessional programs that prepare students for success in any career or personal endeavor:
- Anthropology
- Applied Physics
- Art (Studio)
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Classics
- Communication Studies
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Feminist Studies
- Financial Economics
- French
- German
- Greek
- History
- Independent Major
- International Studies
- Kinesiology
- Latin
- Latin American & Border Studies
- Mathematics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Engineering
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Ministry
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Latin American Studies.
Women's Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business/Commerce, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
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EDUCATION.
Education, General.
Music Teacher Education.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Latin Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Computational Mathematics.
Mathematics, General.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
Physics, Other.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Music History, Literature, and Theory.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Students Say
The closeness of faculty and students “creates a wonderful learning environment in which students are comfortable asking questions, going to office hours, and getting the specific help that they need.” Faculty “are very supportive and tend to be understanding when it comes to accommodations and late work, and it’s easy to build a relationship with them.” Research and practical experience are valued and there are many opportunities available to students throughout their college career. One example of this is student teaching, which “is an amazing opportunity as most schools only offer it your senior year.” The school and faculty facilitate experiential learning; “the Center for Professional Development is very helpful for student internships, networking, and jobs post-graduation,” and professors often “have incredible connections in their fields,” which can also result in internships and valuable career connections.
Degrees
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Costs for the 2022–2023 Academic Year
Tuition & Fees: $48,450
Room and Board (approximate): $12,300
Books, Transportation, and Personal Expense: $2,800
Financial Aid
Offering a world-class liberal arts and sciences education, Southwestern provides an excellent return on investment. Scholarships, grants, and work–study help to offset the cost of college, with 99% of SU students receiving merit- or need-based aid.
Also, Every Southwestern University first-year is automatically awarded a scholarship based on class rank or their recalculated grade point average (GPA) in high school—whichever is higher. Scholarships range from $15,000 to $33,000.
Incoming students are evaluated for merit scholarships through a holistic review of the admission application. Need-based financial aid is awarded annually and requires the submission of a FAFSA, which is available beginning October 1 prior to the year in which the student will enroll.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
State Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Students excel at Southwestern, but they don't compete in a cutthroat atmosphere. Instead, with 1,500 students and a small-town residential setting, students thrive in a genuinely warm, supportive environment. With a strong majority of students demonstrating commitment to civic engagement and social justice, all SU students are encouraged to explore multiple niches in academics, extracurriculars, and volunteering, so you'll meet entrepreneurs who are also football players, chemists who are also opera singers, and computer scientists who are also advocates for the environment.
Southwestern is home to 100 student organizations, 24 club and intramural sports, 10 national fraternities and sororities, and numerous honor societies and special-interest groups. Our students discover new passions and develop their skills through engagement and leadership on campus. And our Mosaic initiative helps students reflect on and articulate the value of these cocurricular experiences.
Faculty
Southwestern's faculty truly sets the university apart, balancing the highest level of scholarship with a dedication to teaching. This dynamic group of professors consists of award-winning experts in their respective fields who often work side by side with students, collaborating on research, conference presentations, and even publication.
Southwestern classes are facilitated by professors, not teaching assistants, and all tenured or tenure-track faculty hold a doctorate or the highest degree in their respective fields. As educators, SU faculty excel at teaching in an intimate and engaged environment: the student–faculty ratio is 12:1, with an average class size of 17 students. The university provides multiple development and training opportunities for its faculty, keeping them on the cutting edge of the latest scholarship.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located on 700 beautiful acres in the heart of Georgetown, Southwestern's towering oak trees, early-20th-century buildings, and lush lawns add to its picturesque feel. But the university's commitment to sustainability is also evident: since its transition to 100% renewable energy in 2010, SU has been ranked among the top environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S.
Stroll through our residential campus on any given day, and you'll see students studying on the Academic Mall, lounging in a hammock, or pedaling to class on one of our shared yellow Pirate bikes. The central dining hub on campus, Mabee Commons, features a variety of meal, snack, and drink choices. Our nearby coffee bar and grill, the Cove, is open late for playing pool or simply hanging out with friends.
Southwestern's location just 25 miles north of Austin provides the best of both worlds. The city of Georgetown, with its historic downtown and the flowing San Gabriel River, boasts small-town charm and the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Meanwhile, the vibrant capital is not only known for its live music, Austin City Limits, and SXSW, but it has also been dubbed the "Silicon Valley of the South" for its tech focus and innovation.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Undergoing a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation that was completed in 2019, the Fondren–Jones Science Center is the hub for Southwestern's Garey School of Natural Sciences. The building was designed to integrate students and faculty throughout all STEM fields, to enhance active learning, and to facilitate collaboration. It features cutting-edge teaching laboratories, student–faculty research spaces, interdisciplinary learning studios, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comfortable study lounges for use by the entire campus community.
The Corbin J. Robertson Center is Southwestern's 95,000-square-foot recreational and athletic facility. It houses a recently renovated indoor running track, a state-of-the-art weight room, cardio fitness studios, basketball and volleyball courts, and an indoor swimming pool. Southwestern is also home to various athletic fields for football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and intramurals.
The Smith Library gives students access to more than 390,000 volumes and 125 databases. In Special Collections, students can engage directly with historical manuscripts, records on Texas history and politics that are held exclusively at Southwestern, and even a cuneiform tablet from approximately 2000 BCE. The Smith Library also houses MakerSpace Studios, where campus community members can use our 3-D printers, photography and video studios, sound booth, or media lab for class and personal projects.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
Full psychoeducational evaluation report is strongly preferred, but an IEP or 504 plan showing history of accommodations for LD would also be acceptable.Documentation Required for ADHD
Verification of diagnosis and functional limitations from an appropriately licensed health provider (typically a psychiatrist or primary care physician). A full psychoeducational evaluation report would also be acceptable.Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Womens Center
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Texas - Austin
Sustainability
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2023.
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/