Overview
Austin College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Sherman, Texas. The school accepts 54.4% of applicants and enrolls 1,125 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 54.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,265
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,160–1,370
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 1,125
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Austin College requires two supplemental essays beyond the Common Application, including one asking about your intellectual interests and another about community involvement. These essays matter significantly because the admissions committee reads every application personally at this small liberal arts college in Sherman, Texas.
Your essays should highlight specific academic programs that draw you to Austin College. The January Term offers month-long intensive courses, study abroad opportunities, and internships that break up the traditional semester structure. The college's 4-1-4 calendar system means you can pursue focused research projects or travel courses during this winter term. Mention specific January Term offerings in your application if they align with your interests.
Austin College operates on rolling admissions with an early action deadline of December 1st and regular decision rolling through August 1st. Apply early because housing assignments and merit scholarship consideration improve with earlier applications. The college awards automatic merit scholarships based on test scores and grades, with additional opportunities for students who interview on campus.
The campus culture centers around close professor-student relationships in small classes. Students who succeed here want to know their professors personally and participate actively in class discussions. The college's Honor Code runs deep, with students taking unproctored exams and self-reporting violations. This system works because students buy into the community standards.
Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at larger universities. Students participate in intramural sports, theatre productions, and over 70 student organizations. The college's size means you can easily join multiple activities and take leadership roles as an underclassman.
Strong applications show genuine interest in Austin College specifically rather than generic small liberal arts college language. Visit campus if possible, attend virtual information sessions, or connect with current students through the admissions office. The college tracks demonstrated interest, so these interactions help your application stand out.
Don't overlook Austin College's pre-professional programs. The college has strong placement rates for medical school and graduate programs, with dedicated pre-health and pre-law advising. Students benefit from research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students at larger universities.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,451/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $46,500
- Students Receiving Aid
- 30%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,296/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Austin College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Austin College has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Austin College?
Austin College has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of March 1 for fall enrollment and December 1 for spring enrollment. Applications received after these dates are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Austin College offer early decision or early action admissions?
Austin College offers early action with a December 1 deadline. This is a non-binding option that allows students to receive an admission decision earlier in the process.
How many transfer credits does Austin College accept?
Austin College accepts up to 64 transfer credit hours from community colleges and up to 94 credit hours from four-year institutions. A minimum of 32 credit hours must be completed at Austin College to earn a degree.