Southwestern University

With 74% of students living on campus, SU fosters tight-knit connections. Students organize 300+ annual events, from trivia nights to conferences, while 55% hold leadership roles in clubs. The campus culture is notably inclusive—emotional support animals are common, and professors are praised for knowing students personally. Georgetown’s Hill Country setting provides a peaceful backdrop, though Austin’s music and tech scenes are just 30 minutes away. Greek life exists but doesn’t dominate; instead, traditions like Paideia (a cross-disciplinary cohort program) build community.

SU’s 74% graduation rate (66% on-time) far exceeds the 33.3% national average. Within a year, 20% of graduates pursue advanced degrees, often in law, medicine, or STEM fields. Alumni earnings data is strong: liberal arts graduates here typically outearn high school graduates by $20,000+ annually, with top performers making $55,000+ early-career. Notably, SU ranks #3 among Texas peers for alumni earnings one year post-graduation, per federal data. The career center reports robust employer networks in Austin and Dallas for internships and jobs.

SU’s net price averages $28,584 after aid, with 99% of first-years receiving grants or scholarships. The average aid package totals $50,107, significantly offsetting the $61,730 total cost (2023-24). Merit scholarships range up to full tuition, and the Net Price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps families estimate personalized costs. While sticker price is steep, SU’s aid generosity—plus Texas’ no-state-income-tax advantage—makes it competitive with public flagships for middle-income students.

Southwestern punches above its weight: its undergraduate research opportunities rival those at large universities, yet its 1,500 students enjoy seminar-style classes (average size: 17). The Paideia program—a hallmark—integrates coursework across disciplines, while the Prothro Center for Lifelong Learning offers alumni free classes for life. Unlike many liberal arts colleges, SU has grown more selective (acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. dropped 10+ points in a decade) without sacrificing its quirky, collaborative vibe. Its location—a charming town near Austin—gives access to internships at Tesla, Dell, and thriving arts nonprofits.