“Texas's oldest university, shaping leaders through a transformative liberal arts education just 30 miles from Austin.”
Southwestern University, the oldest institution of higher education in Texas, was founded in 1840 through a merger of four Methodist colleges. Located in Georgetown, a charming college town just 30 miles north of Austin, Southwestern provides a rigorous liberal arts education to approximately 1,440 undergraduates in an intimate setting where students work closely with dedicated faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 ensures that seminar discussions remain small and substantive—the average class has just 15 students—fostering the kind of deep intellectual engagement that defines a Southwestern education. The university's proximity to Austin gives students access to one of the fastest-growing technology and creative economies in the United States, with internship opportunities in sectors ranging from clean energy and biotech to government and media. Academically, Southwestern offers 37 majors and 41 minors spanning the arts, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, alongside pre-professional programs in law, medicine, and education. The Sarofim School of Fine Arts is one of the university's crown jewels, supporting students in visual art, music, theater, and dance in a setting where creativity and scholarship intertwine. Programs in biology, computer science, political science, and business consistently attract strong students and produce successful outcomes in graduate school admission and career placement. Southwestern is nationally recognized for high-impact learning experiences including undergraduate research, study abroad, and civic engagement, with the Garey Scholarship funding international and experiential opportunities for exceptional students. Life at Southwestern is defined by its close-knit community and Southern character. Georgetown's historic downtown, tree-lined trails, and proximity to the Texas Hill Country make it an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities, while Austin's world-famous music scene, food culture, and cultural institutions are easily accessible. Southwestern is ranked #84 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report in 2026—its second-highest ranking in over a decade—and is a proud member of Colleges That Change Lives, reflecting its reputation for providing a transformative undergraduate experience at a genuinely personal scale.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Liberal Arts Colleges
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision
Binding; first Tuesday in November
Early Action
Non-binding; first Tuesday in December
Regular Decision
First Tuesday in February
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$56,219 – $56,744
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$56,219 – $73,531
/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.
Nationally recognized fine arts school offering programs in visual art, music, theater, and dance.
Rigorous science programs preparing students for graduate study and professional careers in medicine, research, and technology.
Interdisciplinary programs exploring human behavior, political systems, and social structures.
Deep engagement with literature, history, philosophy, religion, and language.
Practical programs grounded in liberal arts values preparing students for business and media careers.
4 years
A rigorous program with strong pre-med and research pathways, supported by modern laboratory facilities and close faculty mentorship.
4 years
The most popular major at Southwestern, combining business fundamentals with the critical thinking skills of a liberal arts education.
4 years
Offered through the Sarofim School of Fine Arts, blending studio practice with intellectual exploration in a collaborative creative environment.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $53,813
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.
