Princeton Review

Southwestern earned a coveted place among The Princeton Review’s 2027 Best 392 Colleges Guide. Southwestern was ranked #1 in Texas and #6 in the nation in the guide’s “Professors Get High Marks” list, honoring how well the SU faculty bring their material to life in the classroom. SU also ranked #1 in Texas, as well as #18 in the country, for “Best Career Services,” a testament to the strength of the University’s award-winning Center for Career & Professional Development, as well as our support in helping students achieve strong post-graduate outcomes. The Princeton Review tabbed Southwestern as #23 in the nation on their “Lots of Greek Life” list, highlighting the popularity of SU’s 10 fraternities and sororities. Finally, Southwestern checked at #25 in the nation on the publication’s “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports” list, showcasing the University’s wide offering of campus recreation programs.

Wall Street Journal

Southwestern has been ranked by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse as one of the “Best Colleges in the U.S.” SU checks in at #351 in the country on the 2026 edition of the prestigious rankings list.

Southwestern earned the rank of #2 among private, liberal arts institutions in Texas, and is the sixth-ranked overall private school in the Lone Star State. In addition to their national rankings, the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse also tabbed Southwestern as #149 in the country for “Best Student Experience,” a list of the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending.

New York Times

Southwestern University was named the top university in Texas for the greatest economic diversity among its students by 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 2026-2027 rankings of top universities in the country that create sustainable and meaningful education paths for the military community.

Transfer Honor Roll

Phi Theta Kappa, the nation’s largest honor society in higher education, has named Southwestern University to its 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. The recognition is reserved for institutions that have demonstrated exceptional success in creating pathways that help community college transfer students earn bachelor’s degrees.

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 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings, Southwestern secured its position as one of the top liberal arts colleges in Texas, ranking #2 in the state and #91 in the nation. The University has also garnered recognition as a Top Private College and a Top Performer in Social Mobility.

College of Distinction

Southwestern University is recognized as a 2026-2027 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 2026. 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 seventh 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 #11 on the platform’s list.

WalletHub

In their 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, WalletHub, the popular personal finance company, has ranked Southwestern University as the best college in the state of Texas. WalletHub’s rankings highlight the top-performing schools at the lowest possible costs to undergraduates.

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.