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85.1%Acceptance
$51,384Tuition
2,729Students
64%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$58,826Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Saint Edward's University

Saint Edward's University draws students who want a Catholic liberal arts education in one of America's most active cities. The 2,729-student campus sits on Austin's south side, known for strong business and education programs that prepare graduates for Texas careers. With an 85% acceptance rate and average SAT of 1150, SEU welcomes motivated students seeking personalized attention in a faith-based environment.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for many families. While sticker price reaches $67,702, the average student pays just $23,636 after aid thanks to generous institutional grants averaging $36,816. Graduates earn a median of $58,826 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,803 manageable with monthly payments around $263. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to economic diversity.

The student body is 55% Hispanic and 82% Texan, creating a distinctly local flavor unusual among Catholic universities. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and 78% retention rate, students get the personal attention promised by small liberal arts colleges. The Hilltoppers compete in NCAA Division II with 250 student-athletes across nine sports, adding school spirit to this tight-knit campus community.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Edward's builds its academic reputation on strong business and education programs within a Catholic liberal arts framework. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classroom environments where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. This close mentoring helps explain why 64.7% of students graduate within four years, though the 78% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic rigor or fit. The university particularly excels in entrepreneurship and teacher preparation programs, drawing on Austin's business ecosystem and Texas's education needs. As a liberal arts institution, students explore diverse disciplines before specializing, developing critical thinking skills that serve them across careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
50.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
64.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
64.2%
Retention Rate
78.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,826
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $65,486
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $53,358
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $50,856
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $50,856
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,924
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $46,087
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Master $41,565
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. Bachelor $41,193
Marketing. Bachelor $40,089
International Business. Bachelor $38,289

View all 74 programs →

Campus Life

Saint Edward's sits on a hilltop campus overlooking downtown Austin, just minutes from the state capital and music scene. With housing capacity for 1,521 students and total enrollment of 2,729, about half the student body lives on campus. Austin's year-round warmth means students spend time outdoors between classes, though summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s.

The 82% in-state student population creates a strong Texas identity on the hilltop. Students often head downtown for live music venues, food trucks, and internship opportunities in Austin's thriving job market. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and community traditions. With 59% women and 55% Hispanic students, the community reflects Austin's diverse demographics. Small class sizes foster close relationships, the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Weekend activities range from attending Hilltoppers athletic events to exploring Austin's outdoor trails along Lady Bird Lake. The semester calendar allows students to fully experience Austin's festival seasons, from SXSW to Austin City Limits.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,521 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

71 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 20 11 0 0
Fondling 11 11 0 0
Rape 3 3 0 0
Burglary 3 2 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–59°F
July Avg
71°–95°F
Annual Precipitation
38.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

This hilltoppers campus draws primarily Texas residents who value Catholic education close to home. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education and social work programs. More than half the students are Hispanic, making Saint Edward's one of the most diverse Catholic universities in Texas. With nearly 40% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many first-generation college students seeking upward mobility. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio attracts students wanting personal attention in their academic journey.
Men
40.2%
Women
59.8%
White
28.4%
Black
3.2%
Hispanic
55.3%
Asian
2.4%
In-State Students
82.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
39.5%

Location

Saint Edward's sits in Austin, the Texas state capital and home to over 950,000 residents. The campus overlooks downtown Austin from a hilltop location just four miles south of the city center. Austin's active music scene, tech industry growth, and "Keep Austin Weird" culture create an energetic backdrop for the university's 2,729 students. The city hosts major festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, while the University of Texas at Austin adds to the college atmosphere. With 82% of students coming from within Texas, many are drawn to staying in-state for the Austin experience. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Saint Edward's University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Austin, Texas 78704-6489
St Edwards Main Building
St Edwards Main Building
St Edwards Grotto
St Edwards Grotto
St Edward's University Munday Library
St Edward's University Munday Library

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,826
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,788
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$41,200
Loan Repayment Rate
62.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$263/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,803

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Edward's University?

Saint Edward's University accepts 85.1% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1270 on the SAT. This Catholic liberal arts university in Austin prioritizes well-rounded admissions over strict test score cutoffs.

How much does Saint Edward's University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,636 annually, less than the sticker price of $67,702. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university provides institutional grants averaging $36,816. Graduates typically leave with $24,803 in debt and monthly loan payments of $263.

What are the academics like at Saint Edward's University?

Saint Edward's maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,729 enrolled students. The university builds its reputation on strong business and education programs within a Catholic liberal arts framework. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from professors.

How successful are Saint Edward's University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $58,826 ten years after graduation, with a 93.3% employment rate. The university achieves a 64.2% six-year graduation rate. Alumni benefit from Austin's thriving job market and the school's strong connections to local businesses.

Where is Saint Edward's University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits on a hilltop in Austin, Texas, earning students the nickname Hilltoppers. Housing accommodates 1,521 students out of the total enrollment of 2,729. The university fields 9 NCAA Division II varsity sports with 250 total athletes competing for $3.7 million in athletic scholarships.

What makes Saint Edward's University's student body unique?

Hispanic students comprise 55.3% of enrollment, making Saint Edward's a Hispanic Serving Institution. Women outnumber men 59.8% to 40.2% across the student body. Over 82% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community with strong local ties.