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.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Southwestern University 2027
- Southwestern University Admission 2027
- Southwestern University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Southwestern University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Southwestern University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Southwestern University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Southwestern University Scholarships 2027
- Southwestern University Rankings 2026
- Southwestern University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Southwestern University vs Peer Universities
- Southwestern University FAQs
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.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA Business | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
| BS Biology | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 Science with 80% or above (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
| BS Kinesiology | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 Science with 75% or above (recommended) |
| BA Political Science | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% or above (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 with Mathematics, 80% or above (recommended) |
| BA Economics | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 12 with Mathematics, 75% or above (recommended) |
| BA Communication Studies | $ 208,080 | ₹ 196.6 Lakh | Class 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.
| Milestone | Date | Notes 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 Evaluation | Start 8 weeks before your application deadline | Submit official Class 12 transcripts for course-by-course evaluation |
| Financial Documentation (I-20 issuance) | Within 4 weeks of admission offer | Bank statement covering one year of tuition plus living costs |
| Programme Start (Fall 2027) | August 2027 | International 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 Component | Annual (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.
| Category | Monthly (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.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value (Annual) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees’ Scholarship | Merit | $ 30,000 (₹ 28.4 Lakh) | Class 12 with 90%+, strong leadership record | December 1, 2026 (expected) |
| Regents’ Scholarship | Merit | $ 25,000 (₹ 23.6 Lakh) | Class 12 with 85%+, competitive extracurriculars | December 1, 2026 (expected) |
| Cody Scholarship | Merit | $ 20,000 (₹ 18.9 Lakh) | Class 12 with 80%+, demonstrated academic interest | December 1, 2026 (expected) |
| Southwestern Scholarship | Merit | $ 15,000 (₹ 14.2 Lakh) | Class 12 with 75%+, holistic review | February 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 Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Liberal Arts Colleges | 2027: #97 (estimated) | 2026: #97 (estimated) | 2025: #100 (estimated) |
| US News Best Global Universities | Not ranked in US News Best Global 2026-2027 (LACs excluded) | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS World 2027 | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE World 2026 | NA | NA |
[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.
| University | US News LAC 2026 | Avg Annual Tuition (USD/INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern University | #97 (estimated) | $ 52,020 / ₹ 49.2 Lakh | Austin 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 Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Southwestern University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.southwestern.edu/admission/apply/index.php
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)
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
Southwestern University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2141 | 1588 | 553 | - |



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Comments
Found 1 Comment
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.