
Austin, TXprivate nonprofitstedwards.edu
Admit rate has ranged 84%–92% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Saint Edward's University is a small, private Catholic university in Austin, Texas, known for its intimate class sizes, strong business and arts programs, and a campus culture that blends Austin's creative energy with a tight-knit community. With an 81% acceptance rate and a median SAT range of 940–1210, it's accessible yet selective, offering a personalized education where professors are praised for their engagement. The university's Hilltop location provides stunning views of downtown Austin, and its 100+ student organizations and NCAA Division II athletics foster a vibrant but manageable student life.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Saint Edward's University has an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 81.4%, with 4,747 students admitted out of 5,830 applicants in 2024. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 940–1210, while the ACT range is 21–27. The university is test-optional, accepting the Common Application, and has a regular decision deadline of May 1. Male applicants have a slightly higher acceptance rate (78%) compared to the overall pool. The average financial aid package is $45,652, with 70% of students receiving aid.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Saint Edward's offers 55+ undergraduate programs, including standout majors in Business (22% of graduates), Psychology (13%), and Visual & Performing Arts (11%). The university also provides seven master's programs and a doctorate, with small class sizes that foster close faculty relationships. Students frequently praise the Accounting, Risk Management, and Pre-Law programs, and the Physician Assistant track is particularly noted for its rigor. The academic environment is described as supportive and engaging, with professors who prioritize teaching over research.
Life at Saint Edward's revolves around its 100+ student organizations, NCAA Division II athletics (the Hilltoppers), and a campus where 51% of students live on-site. The university is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with a strong Latinx cultural presence. Austin’s music, food, and tech scenes are easily accessible, but the hilltop campus feels like a self-contained community—students describe it as "welcoming" and "easy to get involved." Highlights include:
The four-year graduation rate is 50%, rising to 64% at six years—below national averages, possibly due to the university's high percentage of first-gen and Pell-eligible students. Early-career median earnings are $36,427, with Business majors typically earning above that average. The university emphasizes career readiness through internships (Austin’s job market helps), and alumni networks are strong in Texas’s nonprofit, tech, and healthcare sectors.
The total sticker price is $70,682 ($51,890 tuition + $14,358 room/board), but the average net price after aid drops to $27,193. Merit scholarships are generous, with 70% of students receiving aid and an average package of $45,652. The university offers a Net Price Calculator to estimate individualized costs, and family borrowing rates are typical for private institutions.
Saint Edward's combines Austin’s dynamism with the support of a small liberal arts college. Its Hilltop setting (with panoramic downtown views) and HSI designation reflect a blend of tradition and inclusivity. The test-optional policy and robust aid make it accessible, while the strong Accounting and Arts programs punch above their weight. For students who want urban opportunities without getting lost in a mega-university, it’s a compelling choice—especially for those drawn to Texas’s creative and entrepreneurial scenes.