Undergraduate Enrollment

1,270

Points of Distinction

• Private liberal arts college and the first institution of higher learning in Texas, chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1840
• Named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation
• Paideia Program helps students make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and the world around them
• Students are typically involved in civic engagement, study abroad, and collaborate on research with professors

This diverse liberal arts university in Georgetown, just north of Austin, was the first institution of higher learning in the state. The appealing 100-acre main campus features several historic buildings, anchored by the administration building, a Richardsonian Romanesque-style building constructed from native Texas limestone. Of the 45 majors and preprofessional programs offered, biology, business, communication studies, psychology, political science, pre-med, and pre-law are some of the most popular. Southwestern’s Paideia Program offers a holistic learning environment to smart, dedicated students willing to make the three-year commitment. The payoff is a well-rounded learning experience that allows students to integrate their lives inside and outside the classroom.

Approximately 85 percent of the student body lives on campus, which makes for a tight-knit peer community. Many students also take part in at least one of the 100-plus student organizations. A staggering 90 percent participate in organized sports, whether on one of the NCAA Division III level varsity teams or on an intramural team. The university hosts numerous lecture series, including “The Writer’s Voice,” a program that brings in visiting authors, poets, and playwrights. Most recently these have included Azar Nafisi, Amy Tan, Tony Kushner, and Carlos Fuentes. It’s not uncommon for Southwestern students to make the short 0-mile drive into Austin, where they enjoy annual music festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits or grab a bite at one of the city’s ecletic restaurants.