Georgetown, Texas, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Southwestern University has been recognized as the 7th best university in Texas by WalletHub for 2026, highlighting its academic prowess within the state. The university also ranked 36th in the South and 117th nationally. Key metrics contributing to this ranking include student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and campus safety, though its high tuition costs of approximately $57,000 per year affected its standing in the cost category. Other notable Texas universities, such as Rice University and UT Austin, also received high rankings in the report.
Georgetown, Texas – Southwestern University has been ranked as the 7th best university in Texas for 2026 by WalletHub, showcasing its academic achievements among the state’s higher education institutions. The university also earned the title of the 36th best university in the South and No. 117 nationally according to the same report.
The WalletHub rankings assess nearly 800 colleges and universities based on 30 key metrics, including factors like student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and campus safety. Southwestern University specifically scored across seven major categories:
- Student selectivity: No. 133
- Faculty resources: No. 157
- Educational outcomes: No. 275
- Career outcomes: No. 371
- Campus safety: No. 381
- Campus experience: No. 412
- Cost and financing: No. 627
Despite its strong academic reputation, the university’s high tuition rates, approximately $57,000 per year, significantly impacted its ranking in the cost and financing category. The total cost of attendance can reach nearly $73,000 when factoring in housing, food, books, and personal expenses.
Notably, Rice University is ranked as the No. 1 university in Texas, followed by The University of Texas at Austin in second place and Trinity University at third.
Alongside WalletHub’s rankings, U.S. News & World Report placed Southwestern University tied for No. 84 in its best Liberal Arts Colleges for 2026. Four universities from the Austin area, including UT Austin and Southwestern, were recognized in U.S. News’ prestigious Best Colleges rankings for 2026. UT Austin retained its position as the 2nd best university in Texas and 30th nationally.
In addition to Southwestern University, the WalletHub regional list highlighted other nearby institutions, including St. Edward’s University at No. 157 and Texas State University at No. 173.
In summary, while Southwestern University continues to maintain a prominent academic standing both statewide and nationally, its tuition costs pose a challenge in certain rankings. The institution remains a crucial part of Texas’s landscape for higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern University’s ranking in Texas for 2026?
Southwestern University has been ranked as the 7th best university in Texas for 2026 by WalletHub.
What are the university’s national rankings?
The university is ranked as the 36th best university in the South and No. 117 nationally.
What metrics were used to rank Southwestern University?
The rankings were based on nearly 800 colleges and universities across 30 key metrics, such as student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and campus safety.
What are the major category scores for Southwestern University?
In the report, Southwestern University scored as follows across seven major categories:
- Student selectivity: No. 133
- Faculty resources: No. 157
- Educational outcomes: No. 275
- Career outcomes: No. 371
- Campus safety: No. 381
- Campus experience: No. 412
- Cost and financing: No. 627
What is the estimated cost to attend Southwestern University?
The total cost for attending Southwestern University can reach nearly $73,000, factoring in housing, food, books, and personal expenses.
How does Southwestern University rank compared to other Texas universities?
Other notable universities in Texas include Rice University (No. 1), The University of Texas at Austin (No. 2), and Trinity University (No. 3).
What did U.S. News & World Report say about Southwestern University?
In addition to WalletHub’s rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Southwestern University as tied for the No. 84 spot in the best Liberal Arts Colleges for 2026.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Ranking in Texas | 7th |
| Ranking in the South | 36th |
| National Ranking | 117th |
| Tuition Costs | Approximately $57,000 per year |
| Total Cost of Attendance | Nearly $73,000 |
| Student Selectivity Ranking | 133rd |
| Faculty Resources Ranking | 157th |
| Educational Outcomes Ranking | 275th |
| Career Outcomes Ranking | 371st |
| Campus Safety Ranking | 381st |
| Campus Experience Ranking | 412th |
| Cost and Financing Ranking | 627th |
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap: Southwestern University Texas College Rankings
- Wikipedia: Southwestern University
- AOL: Austin Area Universities Ranking
- Google Search: Southwestern University Ranking
- CultureMap: UT Austin Forbes Top Colleges
- Google Scholar: Southwestern University Academic Performance
- CultureMap: Princeton Review Best Colleges UT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southwestern University
- CultureMap: UT LinkedIn Ranking Best Colleges
- Google News: U.S. News Southwestern University
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
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