Southwestern University (SU)

Founded in 1840 as Texas's first university, Southwestern University is a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences university where small is our superpower. Here, students can lead, create, conduct research, and contribute from their first year, with the personal attention and access that only a smaller university can provide.

Three distinctive advantages define the Southwestern experience: the Pirate Plan, Paideia, and the Austin Advantage.

The Pirate Plan is a four-year guide designed to help students make the most of their Southwestern experience by clearly outlining what to focus on each year. Instead of navigating college as a series of disconnected opportunities, students follow an intentional, personalized plan that connects academics, campus involvement, real-world experiences, and career preparation from day one. Guided by a dedicated Success Coach and faculty academic advisor, students build the skills, experiences, confidence, and direction needed to achieve their goals after graduation.

Southwestern's liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for more than one job or one career. Through Paideia, Southwestern's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to learning, students develop the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate across disciplines, solve complex problems, and approach new challenges with creativity and sound judgment. These are the distinctly human abilities employers need most and technology cannot easily replace.

The Southwestern experience also extends far beyond campus. Through the Austin Advantage, students have access to the professional opportunities, culture, and energy of one of America's leading centers for innovation while enjoying the close-knit community and personal attention of a residential liberal arts and sciences university.

The results speak for themselves. Southwestern is ranked #1 in Texas and #18 in the nation for Best Career Services by The Princeton Review, and 93% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

At Southwestern, students have the personal attention to be known and the opportunities to discover what they can do. Small is our superpower.

Southwestern University
1001 E. University Avenue
Georgetown, TX 78626
Telephone: 800.252.3166
Email: admissions@southwestern.edu
Website: southwestern.edu

Southwestern students are ambitious, curious, creative, and rarely defined by just one interest. On a campus where it is possible to be an athlete and an artist, a scientist and a musician, or a student researcher and a campus leader, students are encouraged to explore the full range of what they can do.

That freedom to explore is another way small is our superpower. Southwestern's close-knit community makes opportunities accessible. Students can build meaningful relationships with professors, conduct research, take on leadership roles, join organizations, compete in athletics, pursue creative work, and try something completely new.

The result is a community where students are known. Professors know their students and their goals. Classmates become collaborators and friends. Success Coaches, faculty advisors, mentors, coaches, and staff members become part of a network supporting students throughout their Southwestern experience.

Outside the classroom, students can choose from more than 60 student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, club and intramural sports, outdoor recreation, leadership opportunities, service, the arts, and NCAA Division III athletics.

Southwestern's Outdoor Adventure program takes those opportunities even farther. Led by world-class explorer Branndon Bargo, an Explorers Club member and world-record holder who has led expeditions in more than 50 countries, the program gives students opportunities to hike, kayak, cave, and rappel across Central Texas, as well as to participate in extraordinary experiences such as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

Whether students arrive as experienced adventurers or are trying something completely new, these experiences help them build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and lasting friendships.

At Southwestern, students do not have to choose a single identity or interest. They have the freedom to explore, lead, create, compete, research, serve, and discover strengths they may not yet know they have.

Southwestern students are “a dynamic and eclectic mix of individuals united by a shared passion for learning and personal growth.” There is “a large queer community as well as a strong sense of social justice throughout the school,” fostering an inclusive environment where “everyone is their own true person.” At SU, “you’ll find students from diverse backgrounds,…bringing their cultures, perspectives, and ideas into every conversation,” almost everyone is “very kind and respectful” of other viewpoints. At Southwestern, every student is “seen and heard, and resources can be devoted to every student in need.” The smaller student population creates “a unique sense of community at Southwestern,” as students “all know each other from class/events, and are very friendly with everyone we come across.” Overall, students find this to be a “vibrant and supportive community” of “involved, communicative, productive, and supportive” students. And while no place is perfect, the “majority of the people here are absolutely lovely.”

Students say, “There is never a dull moment” at SU, highlighting the “abundance of amenities and events” available on campus. Since “academics are the top priority of most individuals at SU” and “studying takes center stage,” many students “try to get their social time while being productive (studying at the same time, club activities).” So, while “the days are very busy,” students use the weekends as a “time for exploring the town and doing outdoor activities for fun.” For instance, “lots of kids like to play pickleball,” other popular activities include volleyball, a garden club, horseback riding, and rock climbing. There are numerous student organizations and clubs for almost every interest. One student notes, “I appreciate the organizations that offer opportunities for community service, as well as the social-justice-oriented groups that help make campus better for marginalized groups.” While there is plenty to do on campus, students also add, “We’re not that far from Austin, so if you have transportation, you have a lot of options.”