Southwestern University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Southwestern University [SU]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Georgetown, TexasLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1840established year
1396enrollment
SACSSCOC
Private (Not for Profit)
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Updated on - Sep 22, 2026

Southwestern University is a private liberal arts college in Georgetown, Texas, founded in 1840 as the oldest chartered university in the state. The college is ranked #97 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News 2026 (estimated).

Southwestern offers over 40 undergraduate majors across arts, sciences, business and fine arts to roughly 1,500 undergraduates. The 700-acre campus sits 30 minutes north of Austin, giving Indian students access to Texas technology and healthcare recruiters. Common Application is accepted for the Fall (August) intake, and English is the medium of instruction alongside a strong pre-med pipeline attracting Indian applicants each year.

  • Ranking: #97 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (US News 2026, estimated)
  • Acceptance Rate: 60% (estimated)
  • Primary Intake: Fall (August), rolling admission with priority deadline
  • Annual Tuition: $ 52,020 (₹ 49.2 Lakh) for 2025-26
  • Average Starting Salary: $ 55,000 (₹ 52.0 Lakh) market median for LAC graduates

Southwestern awards international merit scholarships up to $ 30,000 (₹ 28.4 Lakh) per year for eligible applicants, renewable across four years. Indian students study on the F-1 student visa and qualify for 12 months of OPT after graduation. STEM majors receive a 24-month OPT extension for 36 months of post-study work in the USA.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹ 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). The priority application deadline for Fall 2027 entry is expected December 1, 2026 based on the prior Fall 2026 cycle pattern. The Regular Decision deadline closes February 15, 2027 (expected). Indian applicants should start WES credential evaluation eight weeks before submission and verify current dates at the official international admissions page.

Southwestern University Popular Courses and Fees 2027

Southwestern University charges a flat undergraduate tuition applied uniformly across all majors. Programs run for four years and require 124 credit hours to graduate. Indian applicants pay the same tuition as domestic students, with no international surcharge added. The Sarofim School of Business, Brown College of Arts and Sciences and Fine Arts departments share this tuition structure.

Southwestern University Popular UG Programs and Fees 2027

The 2025-26 fee schedule anchors the figures below. Southwestern typically revises tuition by 3-4% each September, so the 2027 rate will be published in early 2027. Total 4-year fees reflect uniform per-year tuition across majors, with the entry requirements shown in the Indian Class 12 scale.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR Lakh)Entry Requirement
BBA Business$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with 75% or above (recommended)
BS Biology$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 Science with 80% or above (recommended)
BA Psychology$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with 75% or above (recommended)
BS Kinesiology$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 Science with 75% or above (recommended)
BA Political Science$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with 75% or above (recommended)
BS Computer Science$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with Mathematics, 80% or above (recommended)
BA Economics$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with Mathematics, 75% or above (recommended)
BA Communication Studies$ 208,080₹ 196.6 LakhClass 12 with 70% or above (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at Southwestern gravitate toward Business (BBA) and Biology (pre-med track), followed by Computer Science and Kinesiology. The BBA plus Data Analytics minor combination is a growing choice for finance-bound Indian students.

Read More: Southwestern University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Southwestern University Admission 2027

Southwestern University operates a rolling admissions cycle with a priority deadline for merit scholarship consideration. Fall (August) is the primary intake for Indian freshmen, with limited spring entry via transfer routes only. As per US Department of State guidance, F-1 visa applicants should apply 4-6 months before the term start.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Priority Application Deadline (Fall 2027)Expected December 1, 2026 (based on Fall 2026 cycle)Deadline to be considered for top-tier merit scholarships
Regular Application Deadline (Fall 2027)Expected February 15, 2027 (based on Fall 2026 cycle)Final deadline for international freshman admission
WES Credential EvaluationStart 8 weeks before your application deadlineSubmit official Class 12 transcripts for course-by-course evaluation
Financial Documentation (I-20 issuance)Within 4 weeks of admission offerBank statement covering one year of tuition plus living costs
Programme Start (Fall 2027)August 2027International orientation begins one week before classes

Planning note: Indian applicants who miss the December 1 priority deadline can still apply until February 15, 2027, but merit scholarship pools shrink significantly after the priority window closes. Aim for December submission to maximise aid.

Read More: Southwestern University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Southwestern University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Southwestern University uses holistic review with academic performance, essays and demonstrated interest weighted heavily for Indian freshmen.

  • Class 12 academic: CBSE, ICSE, IB or state board with 75% or above (recommended); 85% or above strengthens merit scholarship candidacy
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80 minimum, IELTS Academic 6.5, PTE Academic 53 or Duolingo English Test 105; verify current minimums at the official international admissions page
  • Credential verification: WES course-by-course evaluation of Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificate
  • Standardised tests: SAT and ACT are optional through Fall 2027; submit if scores strengthen your profile

Key insight: Indian applicants from English-medium CBSE, ICSE or IB schools can request a TOEFL or IELTS waiver by submitting a letter from the school principal confirming English as the medium of instruction for the last four years.


Southwestern University Acceptance Rate 2027

Southwestern University admits roughly 60% (estimated) of freshman applicants each year based on prior Common Data Set patterns. The rate for Indian international freshmen tracks slightly lower given the smaller applicant pool and higher academic bar for scholarship-eligible admits. Verify the current official acceptance rate at the university’s Common Data Set page.

Admission is holistic, so the acceptance rate alone understates competitiveness for merit scholarship candidates. As per the US News 2026 profile, Southwestern reports a middle-50% SAT range of 1150-1330 for enrolled students.

Reality check: A 60% headline rate feels forgiving, but Indian applicants targeting the $ 25,000 to $ 30,000 (₹ 23.6 Lakh to ₹ 28.4 Lakh) merit tier compete in a much narrower pool. Class 12 grades of 85% or above plus strong essays are the practical bar.

Read More: Southwestern University Acceptance Rate


Southwestern University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost of attendance at Southwestern University lands near $ 67,000 (₹ 63.3 Lakh) for Indian students, covering tuition plus on-campus room, board and personal expenses. Learn more about US-wide living costs in the study in USA guide.

Southwestern University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Southwestern charges uniform undergraduate tuition regardless of major. The rate below reflects the 2025-26 fee schedule.

Fee ComponentAnnual (USD)Annual (INR Lakh)
Tuition$ 52,020₹ 49.2 Lakh
Mandatory Fees$ 300₹ 0.3 Lakh
Health Insurance$ 2,500 (estimated)₹ 2.4 Lakh

Monthly Cost of Living in Georgetown for Indian Students

Georgetown, Texas offers a lower cost of living than Austin proper, with most freshmen required to live on campus during their first two years.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR Lakh)
On-campus Accommodation$ 850 (estimated)₹ 0.80 Lakh
Meal Plan$ 450 (estimated)₹ 0.43 Lakh
Transportation$ 100 (estimated)₹ 0.09 Lakh
Books and Supplies$ 100 (estimated)₹ 0.09 Lakh
Personal Expenses$ 200 (estimated)₹ 0.19 Lakh
Total Monthly$ 1,700₹ 1.61 Lakh
Total Annual$ 15,000₹ 14.2 Lakh

[Source: Estimated from US College Board 2025-26 living cost benchmarks for Texas region]

Insider note: Indian students often move off-campus after sophomore year to shared apartments in Round Rock or north Austin, cutting monthly housing to $ 500 to $ 700 (₹ 0.47 Lakh to ₹ 0.66 Lakh) with a roommate. Georgetown’s Uber-based transport is the main hidden cost.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Southwestern University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Southwestern University sits on a 700-acre campus in Georgetown, Texas, 30 minutes north of downtown Austin by car. The campus is residential, with 80% of undergraduates living on-site through junior year.

  • Location and transport: Georgetown is 30 miles north of Austin; the university runs weekend shuttles to Austin airport and downtown Austin
  • Housing: On-campus residence is guaranteed for four years for international students; annual room and board runs $ 14,850 (₹ 14.0 Lakh)
  • Key facilities: Fondren-Jones Science Center, Bishops Lounge student hub and the McCombs Campus Center for dining and events
  • Indian community: Small but active South Asian Student Association hosting Diwali, Holi and Republic Day events each year

What Indian students say: Class sizes rarely exceed 20 students, which forces you to speak up in every session. The Austin day-trips are the biggest social pull, though Georgetown itself is quiet on weekends. Faculty are approachable and happy to write LORs for graduate applications.


Southwestern University Scholarships 2027

Southwestern University offers four named merit scholarships to international freshmen, all renewable for four years subject to a 3.0 GPA minimum. No separate application is required; consideration is automatic with the Common Application.

ScholarshipTypeAward Value (Annual)EligibilityDeadline
Trustees’ ScholarshipMerit$ 30,000 (₹ 28.4 Lakh)Class 12 with 90%+, strong leadership recordDecember 1, 2026 (expected)
Regents’ ScholarshipMerit$ 25,000 (₹ 23.6 Lakh)Class 12 with 85%+, competitive extracurricularsDecember 1, 2026 (expected)
Cody ScholarshipMerit$ 20,000 (₹ 18.9 Lakh)Class 12 with 80%+, demonstrated academic interestDecember 1, 2026 (expected)
Southwestern ScholarshipMerit$ 15,000 (₹ 14.2 Lakh)Class 12 with 75%+, holistic reviewFebruary 15, 2027 (expected)

[Source: Southwestern University international admissions merit aid page; verify current values at official page]

Planning note: The Trustees’ Scholarship covers roughly 58% of tuition and is awarded to a small cohort each year. Indian applicants aiming for this tier should submit by the December 1 priority deadline with two academic recommendations and a strong personal essay.

Read More: Southwestern University Scholarships Guide


Southwestern University Rankings 2026

Southwestern University is ranked among US News National Liberal Arts Colleges and does not appear in QS, THE or ARWU world rankings, which typically exclude undergraduate-only liberal arts institutions.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News National Liberal Arts Colleges2027: #97 (estimated)2026: #97 (estimated)2025: #100 (estimated)
US News Best Global UniversitiesNot ranked in US News Best Global 2026-2027 (LACs excluded)NANA
QS World University RankingsNot ranked in QS World 2027NANA
THE World University RankingsNot ranked in THE World 2026NANA

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2027 edition; verify current position at usnews.com]

Key insight: Southwestern’s absence from QS or THE world rankings does not affect F-1 visa eligibility or WES credential recognition. US employers and graduate schools recognise US News National Liberal Arts Colleges rank as the primary quality signal for LAC graduates.

Read More: Southwestern University Rankings Analysis


Southwestern University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Southwestern University reports strong first-destination outcomes for undergraduates, with the Center for Career and Professional Development coordinating internships across Austin’s technology and healthcare sectors.

  • Employment within 6 months of graduation: 94% (as per Southwestern First Destination Survey 2024, most recent published)
  • Median starting salary: $ 55,000 (₹ 52.0 Lakh) market median for LAC graduates in Texas
  • Top recruiting sectors: Healthcare, technology, education, financial services and non-profit
  • Graduate school placement: 24% of graduates enrol in graduate or professional school within one year, commonly pursuing MS universities in USA for STEM tracks
  • Career support: 4-year Paideia mentoring program plus Austin-based internship pipeline with 200+ employer partners

Insider note: Indian graduates commonly use the 12-month OPT window for entry-level roles in Austin (Dell, Indeed, Silicon Labs) before pursuing MS or MBA programs. STEM majors get 36 months total OPT, which is the practical career runway.

Southwestern University vs Peer Universities

Southwestern is best compared to other small residential liberal arts colleges in the US South, where Indian applicants weigh cost, class size and graduate school placement.

UniversityUS News LAC 2026Avg Annual Tuition (USD/INR)Differentiator
Southwestern University#97 (estimated)$ 52,020 / ₹ 49.2 LakhAustin proximity, uniform tuition, BBA plus liberal arts
Austin College (TX)#75 (estimated)$ 52,500 / ₹ 49.6 Lakh (estimated)Sherman TX, structured mentoring model
Rhodes College (TN)#52 (estimated)$ 60,000 / ₹ 56.7 Lakh (estimated)Memphis LAC, strong pre-medical track
Sewanee: University of the South (TN)#49 (estimated)$ 55,000 / ₹ 52.0 Lakh (estimated)All-inclusive fee, rural Tennessee campus
Centre College (KY)#57 (estimated)$ 51,000 / ₹ 48.2 Lakh (estimated)Kentucky LAC, guaranteed study-abroad term

Southwestern stands out on Austin adjacency, which none of the Tennessee or Kentucky peers can match for tech and healthcare internships. Its uniform tuition also removes the surprise sticker shock of peer schools with tiered pricing by division.

Southwestern University fits Indian students who want a small-class liberal arts education with a business or pre-health focus and want internship access to Austin’s technology corridor. Total 4-year investment of $ 260,000 (₹ 246 Lakh) after merit aid pairs against a $ 55,000 (₹ 52.0 Lakh) median starting salary, with the MBA route in USA as the common ROI multiplier.

Southwestern is not the pick for Indian students set on large-cohort engineering, competitive Division I sports or brand-name recognition with Indian employers. Applicants seeking those signals should look at MBA universities in USA or larger state flagships like UT Austin instead.


Southwestern University FAQs

Ques. What is Southwestern University known for among Indian students?

Ans. Southwestern University is known for its small-class liberal arts model, strong undergraduate business (BBA), biology and pre-health programs, plus 30-minute proximity to Austin’s technology sector. The college is the oldest chartered university in Texas (founded 1840) and enrols roughly 1,500 undergraduates. Indian students value the faculty attention, merit scholarships up to $ 30,000 (₹ 28.4 Lakh) per year and Austin-adjacent internship access.

Ques. How much does a Southwestern University degree cost per year?

Ans. Southwestern University charges roughly $ 52,020 (₹ 49.2 Lakh) in tuition for the 2025-26 year. Room, board and mandatory fees add another $ 15,000 (₹ 14.2 Lakh), taking the annual cost of attendance to about $ 67,000 (₹ 63.3 Lakh). Total 4-year investment for Indian students falls in the $ 260,000 to $ 285,000 range (₹ 246 Lakh to ₹ 269 Lakh) after merit aid offsets.

Ques. Does Southwestern University offer scholarships to Indian applicants?

Ans. Yes, Southwestern University awards merit scholarships to international freshmen ranging from $ 15,000 to $ 30,000 (₹ 14.2 Lakh to ₹ 28.4 Lakh) per year, renewable for four years subject to a 3.0 GPA minimum. Named awards include the Trustees’ Scholarship, Regents’ Scholarship, Cody Scholarship and Southwestern Scholarship. Indian applicants must submit the Common Application by the December 1 priority deadline for full consideration.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at Southwestern University?

Ans. Indian students on the F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and 40 hours during breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT (during study) or OPT (after graduation) authorisation. On-campus roles at Southwestern include library assistance, dining services, teaching assistantships and research support, paying $ 10 to $ 15 (₹ 945 to ₹ 1,418) per hour typically.

Ques. What English test scores does Southwestern University accept?

Ans. Southwestern University accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 80, IELTS Academic band 6.5, PTE Academic 53 and Duolingo English Test 105 for undergraduate international admission. Applicants from English-medium high schools (including Indian CBSE, ICSE or IB streams) can request a waiver by submitting a principal letter. Verify current minimums at the official international admissions page since thresholds revise annually.

Ques. Is Southwestern University a good choice for business majors?

Ans. Yes, Southwestern University’s Sarofim School of Business offers a BBA with concentrations in finance, marketing, accounting and management. Class sizes average 15 students, and internships often route through Austin’s financial services corridor. Indian graduates commonly progress to MS in Business Analytics or MBA programs at Texas universities, or return to India for family business roles requiring US-trained finance expertise.

Ques. How competitive is Southwestern University admission for international students?

Ans. Southwestern University is moderately selective with an estimated 60% freshman acceptance rate. For international applicants, admission is holistic, weighing Class 12 predicted grades (75% or above recommended), one or two essays, teacher recommendations and demonstrated interest. SAT and ACT scores are optional through Fall 2027, and there is no strict minimum GPA cutoff, though merit awards raise the practical bar to 85%.

Ques. Who typically qualifies for Southwestern University merit aid?

Ans. Indian applicants with strong Class 12 predicted scores (85% or above), consistent extracurriculars and clear academic direction typically qualify for the $ 15,000 to $ 30,000 (₹ 14.2 Lakh to ₹ 28.4 Lakh) merit tier. The top-tier Trustees’ Scholarship goes to a small cohort each year with 90%+ predicted grades plus leadership experience. No separate application is required for consideration.

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Southwestern University Ranking

2019

Forbes logo
Overall 315 out of 650 in National Ranking
( #269 out of 507 in USA 2019)

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Southwestern University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
BL Mandhana ScholarshipsScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Southwestern University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Southwestern University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-88--
IELTS-6.5--
Undergraduate
SAT12151110132077
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing620570670-
Mathematics595540650-
ACT26232956
Check Detailed Score
English262230-
Mathematics252227-

Attendance Cost

$55,933

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$55,933 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,300 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$11,170 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$1,300 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$11,210 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$1,910 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$1,960 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$2,020 / Year

Southwestern University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
21411588553-

Comments


Found 1 Comment

T
thankgod kabaari
Oct 2, 2023 01:38
Can I get admission for master program for artificial intelligence to enable me apply for a scholarship
S
Sinbad Chongtham
Oct 15, 2023 14:34

Southwestern University does not offer Master in Artificial Intelligence program. But Artificial Intelligence is included as one of the major courses for the Master of Computer Science program of the university.


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