Princeton Review

Southwestern earned a coveted place among The Princeton Review’s 2025 Best 390 Colleges Guide. The Princeton Review ranked Southwestern #2 in the nation, and #1 in the state of Texas, in their “Best Career Services” category, the University’s highest-ever ranking, up from #5 nationally in 2024. SU is also acknowledged in the publication’s unranked lists of Best Value Colleges, Best Southwest Colleges, and Best Green Colleges.

New York Times

Southwestern University was named the top university in Texas for the greatest economic diversity among its students, according to The New York Times Magazine College-Access Index. Southwestern was 21st among national liberal arts universities, and 28th in a list of the 286 “most-selective colleges in the country” as defined by Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges. The list included both private and public universities across the U.S.

Forbes

Southwestern is recognized as one of America’s Top Colleges.

Colleges That Change Lives

Southwestern is one of 44 colleges included in Colleges That Change Lives.

Washington Monthly

Washington Monthly rates schools based on their contribution to the public good. Southwestern is ranked among the best liberal arts colleges nationwide.

Veteran Friendly   

Southwestern is routinely recognized as a Veteran Friendly school and earned a Silver Award from Military Friendly® in their 2024-2025 rankings of top universities in the country who create sustainable and meaningful education paths for the military community.

Fiske Guide

Southwestern is one of the top 300 colleges and universities to be named in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report

In the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings, Southwestern secured its position as one of the top national liberal arts colleges in Texas and ranks 83th nationally. The University has also garnered recognition as a Top Performer in Social Mobility.

College of Distinction

Southwestern University is recognition as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects SU’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes

Money

Recognized for its academic excellence and strong student outcomes, Southwestern was named one of Money magazine’s top schools in The Best Colleges in America 2023. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative programs, and nurturing learning environment, the University solidified its place among the nation’s top educational institutions.

College Raptor

Southwestern has been named one of the Best Colleges in the Southwest U.S. by College Raptor for the fifth year in a row. This leading college planning platform helps students and families personalize their college search, estimate net price, and assess fit using advanced AI-powered algorithms. Out of hundreds of colleges in the southwest, Southwestern University is ranked #13 on the platform’s list.

Leading Colleges

Southwestern has been recognized as one of just 37 institutions in the country to earn a 2024 Leading Colleges Award for Recruitment. The honor highlights colleges and universities around the nation that ensure ethical, fair, and transparent recruiting practices.

Methodologies and Practices

Read a summary of ranking methodologies and practices used by the various publications, which include Southwestern University.