Saint Edward's University
The Vibe Check
Saint Edward's University offers a close-knit, hilltop campus experience with a strong sense of community and social justice values. The atmosphere feels personal and supportive, blending Austin's creative energy with a focused academic environment. Students often describe it as a place where you're encouraged to find your voice and make a difference.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Academic strengths are anchored in Business & Marketing, Psychology, and the Visual & Performing Arts, with a curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and ethical leadership. Classes are taught by accessible professors who prioritize teaching over large-lecture research, though opportunities for undergraduate research exist in biology and environmental science. The university's Austin location provides valuable internships and real-world projects tied to the local creative and tech sectors.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Austin
Located in Austin, students enjoy a vibrant city known for its live music scene, food trucks, and outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. The campus is just minutes from downtown, providing easy access to festivals like SXSW, a thriving arts community, and numerous internship opportunities. Students often spend weekends exploring local coffee shops, attending concerts, or participating in community events.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($58,826):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Saint Edward's University has its own campus police department and maintains a safe, residential hilltop environment. The surrounding Austin area is generally safe, but standard urban precautions are recommended when exploring the city.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong, personalized student-faculty relationships in a small class setting
- ✓ Prime Austin location offering extensive internship and cultural opportunities
- ✓ Emphasis on social justice, service, and holistic student development
- ✓ Generous financial aid making private education more accessible
Cons
- ✗ High sticker price for tuition before aid is applied
- ✗ Graduation rate at 64.6% is below the national average for private universities
- ✗ Campus is on a hilltop, requiring a commute or walk to reach downtown Austin entertainment
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Edward's University is known for its strong programs in Business, Psychology, and the Arts, combined with a mission rooted in the Catholic Holy Cross tradition that emphasizes social justice, service, and ethical leadership. The university is recognized for its intimate, personalized learning environment and its strategic location in Austin, Texas, which provides students with unique access to a dynamic city known for technology, music, and creative industries.
No, Saint Edward's University is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 83.69%. This means that the majority of applicants are admitted, but the university still looks for students with a solid academic record, typically with an average SAT score around 1135. The admissions process is holistic, so strong essays, extracurricular involvement, and a clear fit with the university's mission can strengthen an application.
Campus life at Saint Edward's is characterized by a tight-knit, residential community on a scenic hilltop campus. Students enjoy a balanced social scene with numerous clubs, service organizations, and Division II NCAA athletics, all while being minutes from the vibrant culture of downtown Austin. The vibe is inclusive and engaged, with a focus on personal growth, community events, and exploring the city's music, food, and outdoor activities.
The value of a degree from Saint Edward's University depends on how well a student leverages its Austin location and personal attention. With an average net price of $23,636—much lower than the sticker price—and 10-year median earnings of $58,826, the investment can be worthwhile, especially for those pursuing high-demand fields in business and technology. However, the high initial tuition cost means prospective students should maximize financial aid and internships to ensure a strong return on investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private Non-profit
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,920
- In-State Tuition $51,384
- Zip Code 78704
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $23,636, the cost is significantly lower than the sticker price due to generous financial aid, especially for the 39.5% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $58,826 suggest a solid return on investment for a private university, particularly when paired with Austin's job market. However, the $51,384 tuition requires careful financial planning, and the value is highest for students who actively leverage Austin's career opportunities.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.