Founded in 1840 and located in scenic Georgetown, just 45 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 13 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
Contact
Christine Bowman
Dean of Admissions
Dean of Admissions
Address
Admission Office
PO Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627-0770
PO Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627-0770
Phone
512-863-1200
Email
bowmanc@southwestern.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Robertson Center-indoor olympic size pool
McCombs Center-Student Center
Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Academic Mall-grassy area in the middle of campus
Korouva Milkbar-student run coffee house
McCombs Center-Student Center
Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Academic Mall-grassy area in the middle of campus
Korouva Milkbar-student run coffee house
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Lake Georgetown
Wolf Ranch Shopping Center
6th St. in Austin
Lake Travis
Georgetown Square
Wolf Ranch Shopping Center
6th St. in Austin
Lake Travis
Georgetown Square
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Mon-Sat
Weekdays 9am-5pm, Select Saturdays 9am-2pm
512-863-1200
Weekdays 9am-5pm, Select Saturdays 9am-2pm
512-863-1200
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Weekdays - 9am, 12pm, 3pm; Select Saturdays - 9am, 12pm
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Weekdays - 9am, 12pm, 3pm; Select Saturdays - 9am, 12pm
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Daily weekdays
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@southwestern.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Other
Limitations
Not on Friday or Saturday nights, HS Seniors only
Transportation
Driving Instructions to Campus
From Interstate 35 take Exit #261 (Texas Highway 29). Follow Highway 29 east (University Avenue) into Georgetown, approximately 1.3 miles. Turn left at Maple, the first street beyond the train tracks. Visitor parking is available along Maple, next to the Cullen Building.
Local Accommodations
La Quinta; Holiday Inn Express; San Gabriel House Bed and Breakfast; Comfort Suites of Georgetown; Sheraton Georgetown
Save SchoolAdmissions
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 #1 in Texas and #6 nationally by 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 91% of our alumni are employed or in graduate or professional school within 10 months of graduating.
Overview
Applicants: 4,576
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Average HS GPA: 3.45
GPA Breakdown
21%
Over 3.75
22%
3.50 - 3.74
18%
3.25 - 3.49
19%
3.00 - 3.24
12%
2.50 - 2.99
1%
2.00 - 2.49
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
570 - 660
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
540 - 640
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
23 - 29
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
ACT Writing Policy
ACT with or without Writing accepted
SAT Essay Policy
SAT with or without Writing accepted
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — December 1
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
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.
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 19 students. The university provides multiple development and training opportunities for its faculty, keeping them on the cutting edge of the latest scholarship.
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
Student/Faculty
13:1
Total Faculty
142
with Terminal Degree
131
76
Women
66
Men
35
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
63%
Graduate in 5 years
68%
Graduate in 6 years
69%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Latin American Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business/Commerce, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
-
EDUCATION.
Education, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
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.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Computational Mathematics.
Mathematics, General.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
Physics, Other.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
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.
Students Say
Known as “Texas’ first university,” Southwestern University is a small liberal arts school of around 1,600 or so for students who develop a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to contribute to society. The school focuses on building connections between different disciplines, which is at the heart of the unique “Paideia experience.” Paideia is actually a common occurrence in all classes, and professors “actively seek to make connections across disciplines and encourage students to do the same,” with social justice and environmentalism both common themes. The University also “has excellent institutions built in,” and the “stellar” career services program, helmed by a small staff that “is very invested in student’s well being and success,” sets the school apart. To that end, more than half of all students complete an internship during their time at Southwestern, with similar numbers for study abroad participation.
“Discussion is the primary mode of delivery, and critical thinking is encouraged,” and since the classes are small, professors “all know you by name (even if you don’t have their class!).” They teach the course material “with passion and interesting perspectives/mediums that allow for better retention and integrative understanding.” Most are available at any time “to assist in understanding, clarification, and extrapolation of the ideas discussed in class,” which also leads to many research opportunities with faculty. They “not only push us to be better but know we are capable of it, even if we as students aren’t sure that we are.” The course load here is “very demanding but worth it,” and communication via classroom technology and email between the teachers and the students is excellent. “Southwestern is all about making a connection with the people around you while making connections between the subjects you study,” says a student.
Degrees
Bachelor's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
John Tower
Former Senator of Texas
Red McCombs
CEO/McCombs Enterprises/Owner-Minnesota Vikings
J. Frank Dobie
Author and Texas Folklorist
Pete Sessions
U.S. Congressman from Texas
Sharon Brown Christopher
United Methodist Bishop
David Clifford
Research Physician
Joan Bray
Missouri State Legislator
Academic Rating
88/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
63%
Graduate in 5 years
68%
Graduate in 6 years
69%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$52,900
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$93,800
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$55,000
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$98,100
Percent High Job Meaning
57%
Percent STEM
19%
Students Say
Many students say that Southwestern’s “stellar career services program” helps to distinguish the school. They can turn to the Center for Career & Professional Development for help “creat[ing] resumes, apply[ing] to grad school and find[ing] the perfect career.” SU students frequently attend the myriad of events career services sponsors throughout the year. These offerings consist of everything from GRE strategy sessions and pre-med previews to cover letter writing workshops and industry specific panels. The office even holds photo shoots for undergrads to get the perfect professional picture for their LinkedIn account. Best of all, SU hosts multiple career fairs which enables students to network with a wide variety of employers.
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Costs for the 2020–2021 Academic Year
Tuition (full-time, 12–19 hours per semester): $45,120
Room and Board (approximate): $11,760
Other Fees:
Part-time tuition (per credit): $1,880
Fine-arts music fee/applied music lessons (per credit): $180
Vehicle registration fee (per semester): $100
Lab fee (per applicable class): $75
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. In fall 2019, Southwestern awarded an average of $25,302 in scholarships and/or grants per student.
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
Application Deadlines
Mar 1
Notification Date
Nov 21
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$36,837
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$34,052
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,496
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
54%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$32,142
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$36,837
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$46,800
Required Fees
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,300
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$3,200
Transportation for Commuters
$1,010
On-Campus Room and Board
$12,740
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
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
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
State Loans
State Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
89/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Students excel at Southwestern, but they don't compete in a cutthroat atmosphere. Instead, with fewer than 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.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,505
Foreign Countries Represented
11
Demographics
4.25%
Asian
5.25%
African-American
25.45%
Hispanic
59.07%
Caucasian
55% female
45% male
11% are out of state
99% are full time
1% are part time
Students Say
Students are, across the board, “highly involved and motivated.” “Almost everyone has a major, minor, and one or two organizations in which they are heavily involved,” says a student. The culture here is largely one of “acceptance and stimulating engagement.” Everyone here “celebrates a range of personalities and points of view,” and is “unashamedly passionate about our goals.” A uniting force is “involvement in social justice and activism,” and the University “offers a unique scholarly bubble that makes you feel like a scholar yourself.” It’s a small school, so “you don’t feel lost in the crowd,” and the atmosphere is “very similar” to nearby Austin and the “Keep Austin Weird” stereotype.
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
Undergrads living on campus
56%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
91/99
First-Year Students living on campus
91%
Campus Environment
Suburban
96/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Students Say
Southwestern is a draw for “thinkers and learners, for people who like to be challenged and have fun at the same time.” The students here are definitely academically focused, and “even those involved in other organizations (which most of us are) are still excellent students.” In fact, Southwestern is all about balance, and “the academics and the athletics really work together to make sure that everybody maintains a high GPA.” Students are assigned “a substantial amount of homework,” but “you can study anywhere...from the hammocks to the chairs around campus,” which is easily traversed via the campus bikes. Greek life is very prevalent and “is sort of the social heart of the campus,” but the school also offers lots of other activities for students who are not involved with the Greek system, such as events held every Friday and Saturday night. Georgetown, Texas is not a typical college town, but there are shops and restaurants for when students want to get off campus. There is plenty to do outdoors—luckily, it’s warm a large part of the year, so “people go to the hiking trails, go swimming, or hang out on the academic mall.”
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Services for Students with Disabilities
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Jennifer Smull
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
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
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
No
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
75
Number of Honor Societies
17
Number of Social Sororities
4
Number of Religious Organizations
6
21% join a fraternity
22% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
73% participate in intramural sports
31% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Pirates)
11 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Pirates)
11 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Texas - Austin
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups: Coalition for Diversity & Social Justice, Pirates for Pride, Planned Piratehood
Minority Support Groups: Asian Student Association, Ebony, HALO, Kappa Delta Chi, SEAK, SU Planned Piratehood, SU NATIVE, Coalition for Diversity & Social Justice
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Texas - Austin
Sustainability
Students looking to make a positive change for the planet can get a head start with Southwestern’s environmental studies program, an interdisciplinary major or minor that explores the interactions of humans and the environment as well as the impacts of these interactions. Graduates from this program often go into fields as diverse as NGOs, environmental law, and the sustainability sector. Southwestern is also the second university in Texas to sign the Talloires Declaration, which calls upon the school to engage in sustainable practices like a computer-based effluent water irrigation system, low-volume shower heads, and LEED certification on all new construction projects. One of the key environmental groups on campus is Students for Environmental Action and Knowledge (SEAK), which maintains a strong presence on Facebook and strives to promote environmentally sound practices at Southwestern and raise awareness of environmental issues. In the dining halls, in partnership with supplier Sodexo, Southwestern is committed to providing as much locally sourced food as possible, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing food waste, which is the single largest contributor to landfills. For students looking to broaden their horizons while furthering their environmental education, Southwestern offers the Environmental Fellows Study Abroad Program, which provides students up to $5,000 for approved programs in locations as varied as Costa Rica, Kenya, and Australia. Students staying in Texas are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation; the Pirate Bike Share Program provides quick and easy access to bikes all around campus for students and faculty to hop on and peddle to class or the library.
89/99
AASHE STARS® rating
Bronze
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2020.
Campus Security Report
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: http://ope.ed.gov/security
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell Computer
Apple Computer
