“A nationally recognized liberal arts college in the heart of Texas, producing graduates who think critically and lead boldly.”
Austin College is a private, four-year liberal arts and sciences college in Sherman, Texas, founded in 1849 as the oldest institution of higher education in Texas to continuously operate under its original charter and name. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the college has a strong tradition of academic rigor, close faculty-student relationships, and transformative applied learning. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of fewer than 25 students, Austin College offers an intimate academic environment where undergraduates engage deeply with their fields and build meaningful connections with professors who are both scholars and mentors. The college offers more than 55 majors, minors, and unique academic programs, along with nine pre-professional tracks in fields such as pre-medicine, pre-law, and education. A hallmark of the Austin College experience is that 100% of graduates complete an internship, community-based learning experience, or undergraduate research project, ensuring every student leaves campus with practical, real-world skills and professional connections. The college's interdisciplinary approach, combined with its strong career preparation programs, earns it consistent recognition among the best liberal arts institutions in the country, including a top-40 US News Best Value ranking and top-20 Social Mobility ranking among liberal arts colleges. Located in the growing north Texas technology corridor between Dallas and Oklahoma City, Sherman gives students access to a vibrant regional economy while maintaining a close-knit campus community. The 70-acre campus features modern academic facilities, residences ranging from traditional dorms to apartment-style Flats and senior Cottages, and an active campus life anchored by more than 75 student organizations, 17 local Greek organizations, and 14 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams. The Kangaroos community is known for its collaborative, welcoming spirit and deep commitment to social engagement and service.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Best Value Liberal Arts Colleges
US News 2026
Social Mobility Liberal Arts Colleges
US News 2026
Most Innovative Liberal Arts Colleges
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action I
Notification by December 15
Early Action II
Priority scholarship deadline; notification by March 1
Regular Decision
Also the international student deadline; notification by April 1
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$49,804
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Rigorous programs in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics preparing students for graduate study and professional careers in STEM.
Interdisciplinary study of human behavior, society, politics, and economics.
Exploration of language, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts through a liberal arts lens.
Programs in business administration, international relations, and global economics preparing students for careers in a globalized economy.
Structured tracks preparing students for medical, legal, dental, veterinary, and educational careers with advising and application support.
4 years
Explores global politics through historical, comparative, philosophical, and legal lenses with emphasis on critical thinking and writing. Study abroad opportunities are integrated into the curriculum.
4 years
Comprehensive scientific preparation with undergraduate research opportunities and a strong track record of medical and professional health school admissions.
4 years
Interdisciplinary program combining economics, finance, and global trade. Students gain practical skills relevant to the north Texas technology and finance corridor.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $48,680
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
