About Southwestern University
Southwestern University builds its reputation on unusually close relationships between its 1,454 students and faculty members. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment in Georgetown's small-city setting. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college has produced notable leaders like Red McCombs, former owner of the San Antonio Spurs, and George Christian, who served as White House Press Secretary under LBJ. Students choose from strong programs in sciences and humanities that emphasize personal attention over mass lectures.
The financial picture tells a practical story. While sticker price reaches $65,986, most students pay far less through institutional aid. The average net price of $27,468 represents genuine affordability for a private education. Graduates earn a median of $56,878 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $265, reflecting the school's commitment to reasonable debt levels.
Georgetown attracts primarily Texas residents, with 88% coming from in-state. The Pirates compete in 20 Division III sports with over 500 student-athletes participating. The 70% four-year graduation rate demonstrates that students complete degrees efficiently, while the 83% retention rate suggests most find what they're looking for from the start.
The financial picture tells a practical story. While sticker price reaches $65,986, most students pay far less through institutional aid. The average net price of $27,468 represents genuine affordability for a private education. Graduates earn a median of $56,878 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $265, reflecting the school's commitment to reasonable debt levels.
Georgetown attracts primarily Texas residents, with 88% coming from in-state. The Pirates compete in 20 Division III sports with over 500 student-athletes participating. The 70% four-year graduation rate demonstrates that students complete degrees efficiently, while the 83% retention rate suggests most find what they're looking for from the start.
Academics & Faculty
Southwestern University operates as a classic liberal arts college where students explore diverse disciplines before specializing. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide extensive mentoring. With 70% of students graduating in four years, the college delivers strong academic support that keeps students on track. Southwestern has built a reputation for excellent science programs, particularly in biology and chemistry, preparing many students for medical school. The humanities departments also shine, with notable strength in English and philosophy. At just 1,454 students total, every class feels like a seminar where discussion and critical thinking take center stage rather than passive lecture absorption.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,878
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Georgetown sits 30 miles north of Austin, close enough for weekend trips to the state capital but far enough to maintain its small-town charm. With housing capacity for 1,070 students and total enrollment of 1,454, about three-quarters of students live on campus in a tight-knit residential community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class.
Texas weather dominates campus life year-round. You'll need shorts and sunscreen more than winter coats, though occasional cold fronts require layers. The Pirates compete in 20 Division III sports with 507 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture without scholarships. Students gather on the historic main lawn between classes and attend campus traditions like Homecoming and Spring Fling. Georgetown's town square offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance. Weekend options include floating the San Marcos River, exploring Austin's music scene, or staying on campus for intramural games and student organization events. The Methodist heritage shapes campus values but doesn't restrict social life.
Texas weather dominates campus life year-round. You'll need shorts and sunscreen more than winter coats, though occasional cold fronts require layers. The Pirates compete in 20 Division III sports with 507 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture without scholarships. Students gather on the historic main lawn between classes and attend campus traditions like Homecoming and Spring Fling. Georgetown's town square offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance. Weekend options include floating the San Marcos River, exploring Austin's music scene, or staying on campus for intramural games and student organization events. The Methodist heritage shapes campus values but doesn't restrict social life.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,070 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1840
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–60°F
- July Avg
- 72°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Southwestern draws primarily Texas natives, with 88% coming from in-state. This reflects the university's deep roots in the Lone Star State since 1840 and its reputation as a respected regional liberal arts college. The student body leans slightly female at 55%, typical for liberal arts institutions that emphasize humanities and social sciences alongside strong science programs. About one-quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the Methodist-affiliated university serves a mix of middle-class families seeking quality education close to home. The 28% Hispanic enrollment mirrors Texas demographics and the school's commitment to serving its diverse local community.
- Men
- 45.1%
- Women
- 55.0%
- White
- 54.1%
- Black
- 5.9%
- Hispanic
- 28.3%
- Asian
- 4.1%
- In-State Students
- 88.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.1%
Location
Georgetown sits 30 miles north of Austin in central Texas. The town of 75,000 residents offers classic small-city charm with historic downtown squares and local restaurants. Students find themselves close enough to Austin for internships and entertainment but far enough away to maintain campus focus. The Hill Country location provides rolling terrain and outdoor recreation opportunities. Georgetown's proximity to major tech companies in Austin creates networking possibilities for graduates. The 88% in-state student body reflects Texas students' preference for staying close to home. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southwestern University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Georgetown, Texas 78626
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,878
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,682
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southwestern University?
Southwestern University accepts 44.79% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically score around 1238 on the SAT, with the middle 50% ranging from 1120 to 1355.
How much does Southwestern University cost after financial aid?
While tuition costs $51,058, the average net price drops to $27,468 after aid. This Texas Methodist college provides an average institutional grant of $30,609 to 23.87% of students who receive institutional aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwestern University?
Southwestern maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,454 students. This small liberal arts environment fosters the close mentoring relationships the Pirates are known for in Georgetown.
What do graduates of Southwestern University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $56,878 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $25,000. The 92% employment rate reflects strong career outcomes for this historic institution founded in 1840.
Where do most Southwestern University students come from?
An overwhelming 88.09% of students hail from Texas, creating a tight-knit regional community. The campus houses 1,070 students in residence halls, with 83.03% of freshmen returning for their second year.
Does Southwestern University offer athletic scholarships?
Southwestern awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution in the Southern Athletic Association. However, 507 student-athletes compete across 20 varsity sports while maintaining the academic focus of this Methodist liberal arts college.
