Southwestern University has been named a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education.

Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning. The independent college guide praised Southwestern for its strong student-faculty relationships, active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.

Southwestern University has been recognized as a College of Distinction for its commitment to excellence in higher education. SU has received special recognition in Texas, nationally as a private university, and for the University’s outstanding business, education, and career development programs.

The publication noted that “thanks to a well-rounded curriculum with hands-on experiences and a liberal arts foundation, Southwestern business students are prepared to enter the workforce with strong leadership skills and the ability to succeed in an ever-evolving society.”

Similarly, Southwestern’s title as an Education College of Distinction is a testament to the quality of the program’s hands-on approach to learning, leading, and succeeding. Recognizing SU’s stellar curriculum and outcomes for education majors, Colleges of Distinction granted this award as a stamp of approval for the impactful ways that students are prepared to lead their own classrooms after graduation.

Southwestern further stands out for its breadth of resources aimed at student success beyond graduation. The Center for Career and Professional Development’s intentional focus on post-graduate opportunities adds to the value of a Southwestern degree and has helped the University earn the Career Development College of Distinction award.

“A college degree opens the door to many opportunities,” Colleges of Distinction Chief Operating Officer Tyson Schritter said. “But a truly worthwhile education prepares students to thrive once they walk through that door. Southwestern’s curriculum encourages meaningful student-faculty collaboration through experiential learning that is relevant and applicable to the real world.”

Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, College of Distinction’s rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.

“We’ve never ranked our schools,” Schritter said. “No student is alike, so there can’t be a number-one school for everyone. We are much more focused on the innovative ways that colleges are offering their own brand of a truly rich undergraduate education. We are so impressed to see how Southwestern brings life to the traditional undergraduate experience. With a welcoming community, an immersive curriculum, and strong support networks, Southwestern is undoubtedly nurturing the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”

To view Southwestern’s profile or to find more information about the programs it offers, visit collegesofdistinction.com/school/southwestern-university.