St. Edward’s University
General Information of St. Edward’s University
Overview
St. Edward’s University is a private, Catholic university situated in Austin, Texas, founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross in the Holy Cross tradition. The campus occupies a distinctive hilltop in a vibrant and growing city, offering a liberal arts‑centered environment where students benefit from small class sizes, a personalized educational approach, and an emphasis on engagement, service, and global awareness. Students are encouraged to combine rigorous academics with meaningful community involvement, experiential learning and critical thinking rooted in the university’s mission of fostering a more just world.
At St. Edward’s, the integration of liberal arts values and professional preparation allows for a flexible choice of majors and interdisciplinary opportunities, supported by dedicated faculty and a student‑to‑faculty ratio that promotes attention and interaction. In recent years the university has received recognition for undergraduate teaching excellence, value, and serving underrepresented students, underscoring its growing reputation and commitment to both academic quality and mission‑driven education.
Contact Information
Address: 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone Number: 512‑448‑8500
Email Address: admissions@stedwards.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1885 |
| Motto / Mission | Committed to educating students to lead lives of meaning and purpose, in the Holy Cross tradition |
| Type | Private, Catholic liberal arts university |
| Campus Setting | Urban hilltop campus in Austin, Texas |
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approx. 12 : 1 |
| Accreditation | Regionally accredited U.S. institution |
St. Edward’s University Rankings
| Ranking Organization | U.S. / Regional Rank | Global / Other Rank |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report – Best Regional Universities (West) | #5 (2026) | – |
| U.S. News & World Report – Best Undergraduate Teaching (West) | #2 (2026) | – |
| EduRank Rankings | #735 in United States (2025) | ~#2,827 globally |
| Niche Rankings | Best College Locations in America: Rank ~53 of ~1,615 | – |
St. Edward’s University Academics
Faculties / Departments
At St. Edward’s University, academic programs are organized into several schools and departments, including:
- The Bill Munday School of Business
- School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- School of Humanities
- School of Natural Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Health Sciences
Courses and Programs / Majors
The university offers a wide array of majors, minors, certificates and professional pathways, including degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and graduate and doctoral programs. Some example major areas include:
- Accounting (BBA)
- Marketing (BBA)
- Psychology (BA)
- Biology/Biological Sciences (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Kinesiology & Exercise Science (BS)
- Communication (BA)
- International/Global Studies (BA)
- English Literature (BA)
Online Learning
St. Edward’s University offers online and hybrid program options, particularly at the graduate level, enabling flexibility for working professionals and adult learners. The primary undergraduate experience emphasizes on‑campus learning with strong in‑person engagement, while the university increasingly leverages digital and blended modalities to extend access and support lifelong learning.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| SAT Evidence‑Based Reading & Writing | 530‑640 |
| SAT Math | 510‑620 |
| ACT Composite | 20‑25 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
St. Edward’s University reports that first‑year student retention hovers around 78%. Graduation rates within four years are approximately 54–55% for full‑time first‑time students. These figures reflect the university’s challenges typical of liberal arts institutions with diverse student populations, while illustrating its ongoing efforts to support student persistence, academic success and completion through counseling, mentoring, experiential learning, and community engagement.
St. Edward’s University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to St. Edward’s University are generally expected to present solid academic preparation. Admitted students typically fall within the SAT ranges of about 530‑640 for Evidence‑Based Reading & Writing and about 510‑620 for Math. ACT composites fall around the 20‑25 range. The admissions process emphasizes both academic performance and alignment with the university’s mission of community, justice, and leadership.
St. Edward’s University Acceptance Rate
| Admission Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Approximate Acceptance Rate | ~81% |
St. Edward’s University Application Requirements
Prospective undergraduate students must complete the online application, submit official high school transcripts or equivalent, provide standardized test scores (if applying with test scores), submit a personal essay highlighting academic interest, leadership potential, and alignment with the university’s values, and may also supply letters of recommendation. Review of extra‑curricular activities, community service, and alignment with a liberal arts mindset is important. Transfers and graduate applicants follow additional instructions, including transcripts of prior coursework and relevant prerequisites.
Application Process
- Submit the online application (undergraduate or graduate)
- Provide official high school or collegiate transcripts
- Submit standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) or indicate test‑optional choice
- Provide personal essay or statement of purpose
- Submit letters of recommendation as required
- Await decision and, if accepted, complete enrollment steps and orientation
St. Edward’s University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admissions – Regular Decision | Early spring for fall semester |
| Transfer Applications | Rolling admissions with recommended early submission |
| Financial Aid / Scholarship Priority | Early in year (e.g., February or March) |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically invited to submit a personal statement reflecting on experiences that demonstrate personal growth, leadership, engagement with community or social justice, and how the applicant’s goals align with the university’s mission.
St. Edward’s University Scholarships
St. Edward’s University offers merit‑based scholarships, need‑based grants, and special awards for incoming freshmen and continuing students. Many awards are automatically considered based on the application. Financial aid packages may include institutional grants, federal aid, work‑study opportunities, and scholarships for students demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, community service or involvement in specific programs.
St. Edward’s University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Estimated Annual Tuition/Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Full‑Time | ~$50,484 |
| Cost of Attendance (On Campus) | ~$65,000 (tuition + room/board + expenses) |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The undergraduate population typically features approximately 40% male and 60% female. Ethnic diversity includes approximately 59% Hispanic/Latino, about 30% White, around 3–4% Black/African‑American, and nearly 7% international students from over 50 countries. Age demographics reflect traditional college‑age students alongside adult learners and transfer students in graduate programs.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The university supports low‑income students and students with disabilities through targeted programs, scholarships, accessibility services, and a mission oriented toward social mobility. Students with disabilities are accommodated via the student success and accessibility services, ensuring learning environments, housing, technology and support are accessible and inclusive.
Student Body
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students (approx.) | ~3,000 |
| Undergraduate Students | ~2,700 |
| International Students | ~6.6% from ~54 countries |
University Diversity
St. Edward’s University takes pride in its diverse, inclusive and mission‑driven community. The university’s status as a Hispanic Serving Institution highlights its strong representation of Latino/Hispanic students and its commitment to empowering historically underserved populations. The campus culture emphasizes global perspectives, service, and justice, fostering an environment where students from varied backgrounds engage in meaningful academic and community activities. The university actively promotes students’ intercultural understanding, encourages international study‑abroad programs, and supports first‑generation college students, cultivating a campus where diversity of thought, experience and background enriches the learning environment.
Average Earnings
Graduates often proceed into business, health sciences, education, communications and public service. The university’s strong internships, community‑engaged learning, and location in Austin—a thriving job market—position its graduates to earn competitive salaries and grow professional networks. While specific median earnings vary by major, the university’s emphasis on outcome‑oriented education, personalized mentorship, and experiential learning provides graduates with a strong foundation for career advancement and upward mobility.
St. Edward’s University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff consist of full‑time professors, adjunct practitioners, academic advisors, student success coaches, and support personnel spanning academic services, student affairs, athletics, library and global programs. The student‑faculty ratio of about 12 : 1 enables more personalized instruction, smaller class sizes, and direct engagement between students and faculty mentors.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty bring strong credentials in scholarship, teaching and leadership. Many hold terminal degrees in their fields, are active in research, mentor students in internships, study‑abroad initiatives and service projects, and are recognized for excellence in teaching. The active faculty research, collaborations and dedication to the university’s mission ensure students learn from professionals who combine academic rigor with practical, real‑world relevance.
St. Edward’s University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Austin hilltop campus offers a residential experience surrounded by urban amenities, creativity and community. Students may choose on‑campus housing options including residence halls, apartments, and living‑learning communities. Housing costs vary depending on style of residence and meal plan but typical estimates include around $4,300 per semester for on‑campus housing as part of full‑time attendance. Student life is vibrant with student organizations, service opportunities, athletics, arts, and campus traditions rooted in the Holy Cross mission. Opportunities for internships in Austin, study abroad, and engagement with emerging industries provide an enriched college experience beyond the classroom.
Transportation
The university is easily accessible via the Austin metropolitan area’s public transit, nearby highways and bike‑friendly routes. On‑campus parking permits are available, and the urban location enables convenient commuting, internship access and off‑campus cultural engagement. Institutional shuttles and pedestrian pathways support mobility within the campus and between key buildings. The integration of the campus into a live‑work‑learn community allows students to balance academic commitments, involvement and life in a vibrant city setting.