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
Assistant Director of Admissions
PO Box 770
Georgetown, TX 78627-0770
Experience College Life
McCombs Center-Student Center
Fountainwood Observatory
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-12pm
512-863-1200
Dates: Year-round
Times: Weekdays - 9am, 1pm, 3pm; Select Saturdays - 9am
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 #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
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
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.
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
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.
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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.
Students Say
“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
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 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
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 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
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
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
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, 2020.
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