Southwestern University
“Higher education in Texas” usually brings to mind big football stadiums, tiny religious colleges, or famous research universities. Rice University, Texas A&M, and Baylor University are often recognized on a national scale. Diversity of people, landscape, and even weather across this state is often what attracts students to the large schools in Texas. However, it is home to a wide range of options for the college-seeking student, including one looking for a small-school liberal arts experience. Annually, nearly 17,000 students graduate with a degree in the liberal arts from a school in Texas.
Austin College is a liberal arts school associated with the Presbyterian Church located in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849 by a Presbyterian missionary, this school is moderately selective with a moderate acceptance rate. Though the fees for Austin College are fairly high, nearly every student receives some form of financial aid in their time at the school. The varsity sports teams compete in the NCAA Division III, often cheered on by local residents as well as students.
Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas is a private liberal arts school home to the internationally recognized Paideia Program and the Sarofim School of Fine Arts. It was chartered in 1840, and was the first university in Texas. Southwestern’s acceptance rate is moderately selective. It is home to just over 1,500 students.
