Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Online | southwestern.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Located in Georgetown, Texas, 30 miles north of Austin, Southwestern University is the oldest university in Texas, established in 1840. The 700-acre campus features distinctive limestone buildings in a blend of Victorian and modern architectural styles amid a traditional collegiate setting. This private liberal arts institution maintains selective admission standards and emphasizes interdisciplinary education through its combination of arts and sciences programs. The university is recognized for its pre-medical studies, business, and environmental studies programs, with all students required to complete an experiential learning component before graduation. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, choosing from several residential halls and apartment-style housing options, while the university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Pirates.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SU is rated within the top 29% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southwestern University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#189 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#148 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Texas
#7 in Best Private Colleges in Texas
#253 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Value Colleges in Texas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1170/1340 |
| ACT | 24/30 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Other Fees | $500 |
| Room and Board | $13,628 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,620 |
| Total One Year Cost | $67,606 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 17% |
| Business | 11% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 10% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Education | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228343 IPEDS survey data for Southwestern University.
Current students may use the Southwestern University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025