Georgetown, TX, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Southwestern University in Georgetown has been distinguished in The Princeton Review’s latest edition of ‘The Best 391 Colleges.’ The recognition reflects feedback from around 170,000 college students and highlights the university’s commitment to academic excellence, student life, and campus culture. Additionally, the university appears in categories such as ‘Best Value Colleges,’ ‘Best Southwest,’ and ‘Green Colleges,’ showcasing its diverse strengths in higher education.
AUSTIN, TX – Southwestern University in Georgetown has been honored in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition,” which was released on August 12. This prestigious recognition comes from a comprehensive survey involving approximately 170,000 current college students across the nation.
The Princeton Review’s rankings take into account multiple factors including academics, administration, the quality of student life, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall social environment. This insight reflects the sentiments of students who have experienced life at their respective institutions firsthand.
Among the Austin-area institutions recognized, Southwestern University stands out as the only school that invested in a “featured” designation within the guide. The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University are also highlighted alongside Southwestern, although neither paid for a premium listing.
In addition to its appearance in “The Best 391 Colleges,” Southwestern University is recognized in various other categories such as “Best Value Colleges,” “Best Southwest,” and “Green Colleges.” These accolades further affirm the institution’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and student-centered experience.
The Princeton Review’s evaluation process did not provide an overall numerical ranking for the schools, however, it did reveal the top 25 schools in each of the 50 categories assessed. Students from Southwestern University reported a positive educational experience, highlighting excellent faculty interactions and well-organized campus services as key beneficial factors.
Specifically, the profile of Southwestern University emphasizes the institution’s inviting living and learning environment. This atmosphere fosters broadened perspectives for students and opens doors to new opportunities. The university was founded in 1840 and prides itself as the first institution of higher learning in Texas, establishing a long-standing tradition of educational excellence.
Students at Southwestern engage in dynamic classroom discussions, participate in real-world learning experiences, and benefit from numerous opportunities focused on effective communication and collaboration. Such educational practices contribute significantly to the students’ overall satisfaction and growth while attending the university.
In contrast, the University of Texas at Austin also received commendations in various categories. It maintains a reputation for housing a sizeable undergraduate population along with a robust faculty presence. The university boasts the second-best undergraduate entrepreneurship program and ranks third for its public alumni network, making it a significant player in higher education.
Meanwhile, Texas State University was noted for its strong STEM programs and the genuine care exhibited by faculty and staff. However, it did not fare as well in areas such as student political activity and financial aid support, reflecting varied strengths and challenges among Austin’s universities.
Overall, the recent recognition by The Princeton Review showcases the diversity and quality of education available within the Austin area, providing students with valuable insights as they navigate their higher education options.
FAQ
What is The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges?”
How was Southwestern University rated?
What factors were considered in the ranking?
Key Features Comparison
| University | Highlighted Features |
|---|---|
| Southwestern University | Best 391 Colleges, Best Value Colleges, welcoming environment, emphasis on student engagement |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Second-best undergraduate entrepreneurship program, largest undergraduate population, strong faculty presence |
| Texas State University | Strong STEM programs, caring faculty, but limitations in political activity and financial aid |
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Additional Resources
- Steve Williard Hall of Fame Profile
- Michael Huff College Football Hall of Fame
- Justin Austin Selected to Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame
- Google Search: Southwestern University
- Wikipedia: The Princeton Review
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
