Acceptance Rate
43%
Avg. SAT
1300
75th percentile
“Texas's oldest chartered university, where Pirates chase big dreams in a small-town liberal arts haven 30 minutes from Austin.”
Georgetown, TX
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
You'll step onto Southwestern's lush, tree-lined campus in Georgetown, a riverside town chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1840—making it the state's oldest university still on its original site. Founded by Methodist pioneers amid frontier hardships, it carries a legacy of resilience and community focus, evolving into a tight-knit undergraduate haven that prizes collaboration over cutthroat competition. Students who thrive here are earnest go-getters who love building deep relationships with professors and peers, diving into service projects, and embracing a spirited, unpretentious vibe—think tailgates with live bands rather than Ivy pretension. But if you crave urban pulse or massive scale, the quiet streets of Georgetown (population 80,000, historic square packed with boutiques) might feel sleepy, though Austin's music scene and tech boom lie just up I-35 for weekend escapes.
Photo Gallery
+38
+30
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In Southwestern's classrooms, expect professors who call you by name from day one—thanks to that 11:1 ratio—and challenge you with hands-on projects that spill into real research, like tracking endangered species in the on-campus lab or debating policy in mock UN simulations. The animal behavior program stands out for its fieldwork in Texas Hill Country, while communications and business majors snag internships at nearby media outlets and Austin startups; sciences boast solid pre-med tracks with med school acceptance rates topping 75%. Intellectual life hums with guest lectures and thesis defenses in the cozy library, fostering a curious, discussion-driven culture. Tradeoffs hit if you're eyeing massive research grants—opportunities exist but skew undergrad-focused, not grad-school factory.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,440 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
54%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
28%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Georgetown, TX
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week at Southwestern blends Pirate pride with cozy routines: Monday study groups in residential halls, Wednesday intramurals on the quad, Friday bonfires with Greek life (about 40% participate, more social glue than party central), and spontaneous weekend treks to Austin's food trucks. Campus buzzes with 100+ clubs—from improv troupe to environmental activists—plus traditions like the lighting of the giant "S" at homecoming and Pirate Jabber (talent show chaos). Residential life clusters in four quads with theme houses for honors or wellness seekers, creating instant friend groups, though some lament the small size limits dating pools or nightlife variety. Harsh Texas summers demand AC hideouts, but mild winters and the San Gabriel River's kayaking spots keep spirits high.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Southern Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$19,315
$30K – $48K
$18,872
$48K – $75K
$22,406
$75K – $110K
$25,349
$110K+
$33,253
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
81%
4 Years Graduation Rate
70%
6 Years Graduation Rate
75%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$56,878
81% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Southwestern University and return in the fall. 70% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 75% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
70%
4-6 years
5%
Non-grad
25%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$48,450
Acceptance
43%
Undergrads
1,440
4-Year Grad Rate
70%
Endowment
$343M
Georgetown, TX 78626
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