Southwestern University: Admissions, Courses, Acceptance Rate, Scholarship, & Housing Guide
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Southwestern University in Texas, founded way back in 1840, holds the title of being the oldest higher education institution in Texas, and has built a reputation for excellence in liberal arts education. The university prides itself on small class sizes (an average of just 17 students per class!), award-winning faculty, and a gorgeous 701-acre campus in charming Georgetown, Texas — just 30 minutes from Austin. And here’s an exciting fact: 95% of Southwestern graduates are employed, pursuing graduate school, or involved in service projects within just 10 months of graduation!
With top recruiters like Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, and Charles Schwab hiring Southwestern graduates, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to kickstart a rewarding career. International students love Southwestern for its popular programs in Business/Commerce, Psychology, Exercise Science, Political Science, and International Studies, along with a welcoming and supportive campus community. Here’s a quick highlight of Southwestern University in 2025:
Category | Details |
Year of Establishment | 1840 |
Campus Size | 701 acres |
Campus Locations | Georgetown, Texas |
Placement Rate | 95% within 10 months of graduation. |
Top Recruiters | Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, and Charles Schwab. |
Popular Courses for International Students | Business/Commerce, Psychology, Exercise Science, Political Science, and International Studies. |
English Language Exam Required | IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo |
Acceptance Rate | ~39% |
Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Around $53,288 |
Website | www.southwestern.edu |
Which Courses Are Popular at Southwestern University in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?
Southwestern University in 2025 offers an exciting mix of undergraduate and graduate programs! At Southwestern, you can choose from 13 courses across fields like Business, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Humanities, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Some of the most popular specializations among international students include Biology, Computer Science Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
The best part? Southwestern’s average first-year tuition fee for undergraduate programs ranges between $9,492 to $33,100 (~INR 8.09 lakh to INR 28.22 lakh), making it quite competitive compared to many other U.S. universities. For graduate programs like MBA, tuition fees are around $33,100 (~INR 28.22 lakh). Here’s a detailed look at the popular Southwestern University courses, along with their tuition fees and eligibility for 2025:
Course Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees (USD) | Eligibility Criteria & English Language Exams Required |
BBA | ~$49,936 | High school diploma, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+, Duolingo 110+ |
BSc. | ~$49,936 | High school diploma with math background, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+ |
B.E./B.Tech | ~$49,936 | High school diploma, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+ |
MBA/PGDM | ~$33,100 | UG degree, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+ |
BA | ~$49,936 | High school diploma, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+ |
Where Does Southwestern University Rank in 2025?
If you’re wondering how Southwestern University stacks up in 2025, you’re in for some impressive news! In the U.S. News & World Report 2025, Southwestern is ranked #83 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, while also securing #56 in Best Value Schools and #81 for Social Mobility performance.
Internationally, Southwestern University is also placed in the #1001–1200 band in the QS World University Rankings 2025. That’s not all — Southwestern University shines in the Princeton Review 2025, where it’s ranked #2 nationally and #1 in Texas for Best Career Services — a huge achievement that speaks volumes about the support students receive after graduation! Here’s a detailed table summarizing Southwestern University rankings for 2025:
Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank/Recognition |
U.S. News & World Report | National Liberal Arts Colleges | #83 |
Best Value Schools | #56 | |
Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie) | #81 | |
QS World University Rankings | Global Ranking | #1001–1200 band |
Princeton Review | Best Career Services (National) | #2 |
Best Career Services (Texas) | #1 | |
Best 390 Colleges, Best Value Colleges, Best Southwest Colleges, Best Green Colleges | Featured Lists | |
The New York Times | Economic Diversity (Texas) | #1 |
Economic Diversity (National Liberal Arts) | #21 | |
Forbes | America’s Top Colleges | Featured |
Washington Monthly | Best Liberal Arts Colleges Nationwide | Featured |
Leading Colleges | Leading Colleges Award for Recruitment | Top 37 Nationwide |
How Competitive Is the Acceptance Rate at Southwestern University in 2025?
Southwestern University has an acceptance rate of around 39% in 2025. This means that for every 100 students who apply, about 39 are offered admission. While the university looks closely at grades, test scores (optional), and essays, it also values leadership, community service, creativity, and passion outside the classroom. Having a GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), along with good English language scores (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo) and strong recommendation letters, can really boost your chances of admission! Here’s a quick snapshot of Southwestern University Acceptance Rate and Admission Details for 2025:
Category | Details (2025) |
General Acceptance Rate | ~39% |
Admission Competitiveness | Selective |
Key Admission Factors | GPA, personal essays, extracurriculars, leadership qualities, recommendation letters |
Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.5+ (on a 4.0 scale) |
English Language Exams Required | IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (80+), Duolingo (110+ minimum) |
Test Policy | Test-optional (SAT/ACT not mandatory) |
Application Deadlines | Early Decision I: November 1, Early Decision II: January 15, Regular Decision: February 1 |
Early Decision Acceptance Boost | Higher chances for early applicants |
Popular Intake Month | Fall (August/September) |
Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply for at Southwestern University in 2025?
If you’re planning to study at Southwestern University in 2025 and wondering how to manage the costs, you’ll be happy to know that Southwestern offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options for both incoming and current international students! At Southwestern, about 99% of students receive some form of merit-based scholarship or financial aid — making it one of the most generous universities when it comes to supporting bright and talented students. The university believes in rewarding academic achievement, leadership, creativity, and even passion for the arts through several types of awards. Here’s a quick overview of Southwestern University scholarships:
Category | Details |
General Merit Scholarships | Up to $36,000 per year; automatically considered with admission application; based on academics, leadership, personal essay, and extracurriculars. |
Competitive Scholarships | Amounts vary; awarded through a holistic review and mandatory interviews; top candidates compete for additional scholarships. |
Brown Scholarship | $42,000 per year (Southwestern’s highest merit award); awarded to top 5% of class or students with a GPA 3.8+ (unweighted); requires an interview and participation in a scholarship event. |
Garey Scholarship | Includes two $5,000 stipends for high-impact experiences (study abroad, research, internships); top 10% of class or 3.7+ GPA; interview required. |
Sarofim Fine Arts Scholarships | Awarded for Music, Studio Art, or Theatre majors; audition or portfolio submission required; amounts vary. |
Music Performance Awards | Up to $2,500 per year; available even if you’re not majoring in music but want to participate in ensembles. |
Need-Based Aid | Available through grants and loans; supports students based on financial need alongside merit. |
Where Can You Stay While Studying at Southwestern University in 2025?
Finding the right accommodation is a major milestone in your student journey at Southwestern University (SU) in Georgetown, Texas! Whether you prefer the supportive campus life or the flexibility of living independently, Southwestern offers great housing options made according to your needs. Did you know:
- Around 90% of first-year students live on-campus at Southwestern University to experience an engaging, vibrant student community.
- Georgetown, Texas, where SU is located, is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Safest Cities in Texas — making it a perfect spot for students.
- Southwestern University has a retention rate of over 85%, and the friendly residential environment plays a major role in helping students succeed academically and socially.
Now, let’s explore your accommodation options near Southwestern University for 2025!
On-Campus Housing at Southwestern University (2025)
Southwestern University requires all first- and second-year students to live on campus, creating a strong sense of community and offering easy access to academic and social resources. Upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) also have the option to continue staying on campus if they choose. The university provides a variety of residential setups — from traditional dormitory-style halls to apartment-style living. These spaces are equipped with modern amenities like:
- Air conditioning
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Communal study lounges and kitchens
- Laundry facilities
- 24/7 security services
Living on-campus also means you’ll be steps away from your classes, dining halls, the fitness center, and student events — making life easier and more fun! Following are the on-campus housing costs at Southwestern University:
- Shared Dormitory Rooms: Approximately $8,276 per academic year
- Apartment-Style Living: Higher-priced options are available for students looking for more privacy and extra amenities.
Off-Campus Housing Options Near Southwestern University
For students craving more independence and flexibility, off-campus housing near Southwestern University is a fantastic option. Georgetown offers a wide range of apartments and rental homes, located just a short walk, bike ride, or drive from the campus. Following is the average off-campus Rent Near SU:
- Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments: $950 to $1,200 per month
- Two-Bedroom Apartments: $1,200 to $1,800 per month
- Three or More Bedroom Units: $1,800 to $2,500 per month
Conclusion
If you’re dreaming of a university that gives you world-class education, amazing career support, generous scholarships, and a close-knit community, Southwestern University is a fantastic choice for 2025! With a 39% acceptance rate, top rankings among U.S. liberal arts colleges, and 95% placement success within 10 months of graduation, Southwestern sets you up for real-world success.
Plus, with tuition scholarships going up to $36,000 per year, financial support is definitely within your reach! Ready to start your journey? Explore Southwestern University — and when it’s time to find your perfect student home near campus, University Living is here to make it easy, safe, and stress-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southwestern University acceptance rate for 2025?
Southwestern University has an acceptance rate of around 39% in 2025. This means the university is quite selective, focusing on strong academics, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.
What courses are popular at Southwestern University for international students?
Popular Southwestern University courses for international students include Business/Commerce, Psychology, Exercise Science, Political Science, International Studies, Computer Science Engineering, Environmental Studies, and Biology.
What are the Southwestern University admission criteria for 2025?
For 2025, Southwestern University admission criteria include a high school diploma (or equivalent), a recommended GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale, and proof of English proficiency through IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (80+), or Duolingo (110+) scores. SAT/ACT scores are optional.
When are the Southwestern University admission dates for 2025?
Key Southwestern University admission deadlines for 2025 are:
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: January 15
Regular Decision: February 1
Applying early can slightly boost your admission chances!
What is the tuition fee for international students at Southwestern University?
For international students in 2025, the annual tuition fee at Southwestern University is approximately $53,288 for undergraduate programs. Graduate program fees, like for an MBA, are around $33,100.
Does Southwestern University offer scholarships to international students?
Yes! Southwestern University offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. Merit scholarships can go up to $36,000 per year, and competitive awards like the Brown Scholarship offer $42,000 annually. Specialized scholarships are also available for fine arts, music, and research.
How good are Southwestern University rankings in 2025?
Southwestern University is ranked #83 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report 2025. It also ranks #56 in Best Value Schools, #81 for Social Mobility, and features prominently in the QS World University Rankings (1001–1200 band) and The Princeton Review Best Colleges list.