Georgetown, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Southwestern University has been recognized as the 7th best university in Texas for 2026 according to WalletHub’s recent analysis, reflecting its strong educational quality. Despite challenges faced by the University of Texas at Austin, which ranks second, Southwestern University has shown promising performance, particularly in key assessment metrics. The rankings underline the competitive educational landscape in Texas, highlighting the efforts by various institutions to excel.
Southwestern University Achieves 7th Best University Ranking in Texas for 2026
Georgetown, TX – Southwestern University has been ranked as the 7th best university in Texas for 2026, according to a recent analysis by WalletHub. This ranking positions Southwestern University ahead of several other institutions in the state, reflecting its educational quality and performance metrics.
Leading the rankings in Texas is Rice University in Houston, followed by the University of Texas at Austin, which has dropped to the 2nd best university in the state and the 11th best in the South. In comparison, the University of Texas at Austin has seen a decline in its national ranking, falling five spots to 58th best university in the United States.
Ranking Details
WalletHub evaluated nearly 800 colleges and universities using 30 key metrics that included student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and campus safety. Within this assessment, the University of Texas at Austin performed well in several categories including:
- No. 63 in student educational outcomes
- No. 74 in student selectivity
However, lower scores were noted in cost and financing (No. 337), campus experience (No. 552), and faculty resources (No. 629).
For in-state students attending the University of Texas at Austin, tuition and fees can surpass $11,000 annually. When factoring in housing and other living expenses, the total costs can exceed $32,000.
Southwestern University’s Performance
In the WalletHub analysis, Southwestern University ranks 36th best university in the South and 117th nationally. The university’s rankings across various categories include:
- No. 133 – Student selectivity
- No. 157 – Faculty resources
- No. 275 – Educational outcomes
- No. 371 – Career outcomes
- No. 381 – Campus safety
- No. 412 – Campus experience
- No. 627 – Cost and financing
Moreover, Southwestern University’s tuition rates total nearly $57,000 per year, which amounts to around $73,000 when including living expenses.
Other Regional University Rankings
Several other universities in the Austin area have received recognition in the U.S. News rankings. St. Edward’s University is noted as the 5th best in the U.S. News regional ranking for the Best Universities in the West for 2026. Huston-Tillotson University also made its mark, ranked 20th in the Best Colleges in the West regional rankings for 2026. Additionally, Southwestern University is tied with seven other institutions for the No. 84 spot in the best Liberal Arts Colleges for 2026.
Further enriching the higher education landscape, the historic Moody Foundation made a landmark donation of $150 million to Huston-Tillotson University, marking the largest single donation to an HBCU in history.
Conclusion
Overall, these rankings showcase a diverse and competitive educational environment in Texas, with Southwestern University standing out for its quality and ranking among the state’s best institutions.
FAQ
What is Southwestern University’s ranking in Texas for 2026?
Southwestern University is ranked as the 7th best university in Texas for 2026.
Which university ranked first in Texas for 2026?
Rice University in Houston ranks as the No. 1 university in Texas for 2026.
How does the University of Texas at Austin rank nationally?
The University of Texas at Austin is ranked 58th best university in the United States for 2026.
What are some key metrics used for the rankings?
WalletHub analyzed nearly 800 colleges and universities using 30 key metrics such as student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and campus safety.
What is the tuition for the University of Texas at Austin?
Tuition and fees at UT Austin can exceed $11,000 annually for in-state students, with total costs exceeding $32,000 when including housing and other expenses.
How much does Southwestern University cost?
Southwestern University’s tuition rates add up to nearly $57,000 per year, totaling around $73,000 with living expenses included.
Key Features Ranking Chart
| University | Texas Ranking (2026) | National Ranking | Tuition Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | 1 | Not specified | Not specified |
| University of Texas at Austin | 2 | 58 | Over $11,000/year |
| Southwestern University | 7 | 117 | $57,000/year |
| St. Edward’s University | 5 (West) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Huston-Tillotson University | 20 (West) | Not specified | Not specified |
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin: Southwestern University Texas College Rankings
- Wikipedia: Southwestern University
- AOL News: 2 Austin-area Universities Rank
- Google Search: University of Texas at Austin
- CultureMap Austin: UT Austin Best Colleges 2026
- Google Scholar: University Rankings
- San Diego Business Journal: Southwestern College Nursing Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University Rankings
- Forbes: Southwestern University
- Google News: Texas University Rankings
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.
