Founded in 1840, Southwestern University is located on 700 acres of towering oak trees and grand limestone buildings. As Texas’ first institution of higher learning and the leading undergraduate liberal arts university in the state, Southwestern prides itself on a progressive liberal arts education with distinctive curricular and co-curricular programs that prepare its students for global opportunities and the challenges of the 21st century.

As a leader in innovative undergraduate education, we offer a life-enriching experience for talented individuals who share a passion for intellectual exploration, engagement, and growth. Students learn from award-winning professors in a curriculum incorporating the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, our undergraduates learn in a challenging but engaging environment, often collaborating with faculty on scholarly research, conference presentations, and publications. 

Complementing our inquiry-based learning model, students participate in high-impact, transformative experiences such as funded and academic internships, community-engaged learning, and study-abroad programs in countries all over the world. These life-changing experiences create the practices of thinking, creating, and connecting that last a lifetime and are the hallmark of the Southwestern Experience.

Because of our location in the fastest-growing city in America, the University is poised to be part of a dynamic economy. Situated on the doorstep of Austin’s “Silicon Hills,” where tech giants such as Google, Samsung, Tesla, and others dot the Texas Hill Country, students are invited to engage in one of the world’s most dynamic cultural and tech-savvy destinations.

Most undergraduates live on campus and actively participate in more than 100 student organizations. From student legislation to activism to Greek Life, there are numerous opportunities for involvement outside the classroom. Our athletes compete in 20 different sports at the NCAA Division III level. As a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Pirates have won championships in football, baseball, softball, volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s swimming and diving.

There is an unmistakable feeling of momentum across campus. Numerous projects are in the works that lay out the University’s vision for a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive environment that will foster teaching and learning while preserving the historical integrity of the campus. From the upcoming renovation of Mood-Bridwell Hall to developing a sustainable planned community that celebrates the liberal arts, we are laying new foundations to build a better tomorrow.

Last spring, we announced plans for a new multi-purpose sports complex. When completed in 2025, it will be the first time in 75 years that football has been played on campus. The new complex will seat more than 3,000 people and host football, lacrosse, and soccer games, as well as special events and performances. It will also serve as the new location for commencement ceremonies. 

Slated for construction on the east side of campus, there will be a new entrance that will welcome all members of the Southwestern community. Planning is also underway for a new admission center and two new multi-use residence halls that will increase the number of residential beds by 149. 

One of our most significant projects is the development of 500 acres of land we own contiguous to campus to create a community based on liberal arts values and ideals. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enlarge the University’s presence, not just in terms of usage and economic resources, but in terms of visibility, mission, and vision. 

Living in a college town like Georgetown provides unmatched charm and endless opportunities for its residents. All are welcome on campus, whether it’s continuing your education by auditing a class, participating in a social event, or enjoying our beautiful green spaces.

There’s plenty to get involved in at Southwestern, like cheering on the Pirates at an athletic game or match. Attend a theatre or musical performance in the Sarofim School of Fine Arts. We even have an on-campus art gallery! Join us for a public lecture where we will bring a speaker to campus or dive into the past during a visit to our Special Collections in the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center. There you will find a phenomenal archive of historical records, documents, rare books, manuscripts, and other fascinating material.

To foster more collaboration with the city, the University established The College Town Committee to strengthen the relationship between Southwestern and the Georgetown community. This connection provides a joint opportunity for University employees and city community leaders to work together to improve the quality of town and gown relations. The committee meets three times a year and includes agenda topics of mutual interest to business and non-profit organizations and campus employees.

Southwestern is a destination like no other. Here, students learn how to think critically and creatively, and you will see our dynamic future taking shape with renovations to existing buildings and the construction of new facilities. Our doors are always open to the local Georgetown community, and we invite you to join us on campus.