Southwestern University

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Georgetown, TX
  • 4.5 2 reviews
#6 Best Private Colleges in Texas

Overview

Total enrollment

1,440
Southwestern University overview
  • Location Georgetown, Texas
  • Website southwestern.edu
  • Type Private 4 Year
  • Setting Distant Town
  • Religious Affiliation United Methodist
Southwestern University overview
  • Size Small
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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

SU is rated within the top 30% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    8 out of 10
  • Resources
    9 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging
Southwestern University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1130/1300
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 26/30
  • GPA 3.5

Acceptance Rate

43.1%
Southwestern University applications overview
  • Applications Due Feb 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 13.8%
  • Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Average

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$53,813
Costs for Southwestern University
Fee Cost
Tuition $53,813
Books and Supplies $1,250
Other Fees $525
Room and Board $15,072
Budget for Other Expenses $1,730
Total One Year Cost $72,390

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$57,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

73% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Southwestern University are Social Sciences, Business, and Visual and Performing Arts. 17% of students major in Social Sciences, 11% in Business, and 10% in Visual and Performing Arts.

  • Social Sciences 17%
  • Business 11%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 10%
  • Communication 10%
  • Education 8%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Southwestern University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=228343.

GPA calculator: Southwestern University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026