Dear Southwestern Families,

Southwestern University continues to raise the bar for excellence among liberal arts institutions in Texas and across the country. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list, Southwestern ranked #2 in the state of Texas and #83 in the United States. We have seen a meteoric rise in the national rankings, improving 19 spots in just four years. This achievement is a testament to our innovative approach to a liberal arts education.

In their Best Value School category, U.S. News & World Report ranked Southwestern #3 in Texas and #56 in the nation among liberal arts colleges, illustrating our commitment to providing an unparalleled educational experience at an affordable cost.

The value of a Southwestern education doesn’t end at graduation. Our dedication to preparing students for successful careers after their undergraduate experience has also been recognized. The Princeton Review ranked Southwestern #1 in Texas and #2 in the nation for Best Career Services, SU’s highest-ever national ranking. This honor spotlights our exceptional efforts in providing students with the necessary resources, guidance, and opportunities to navigate their future career paths successfully.

These accolades come as the University’s largest and most ambitious construction plan in school history comes to fruition. Over $120 million in active construction projects are enhancing both the physical landscape and the overall student experience at Texas’ first university. Most notably, two new state-of-the-art residence halls and a first-of-its-kind welcome center are on track to open in Spring 2026. These spaces were deliberately designed to foster environments conducive to living, learning, and discovery.

Striving to continue to maximize the value of a Southwestern education, the Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in ensuring SU’s strong financial position, working to minimize increases in the cost of attendance. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Board has approved a 5.87% increase in tuition, room, and board. For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit our tuition and fees page.

We are committed to making education more affordable, and we are offering more than $44 million in need-based assistance and merit scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Should your family seek need-based assistance, or if you received need-based aid last year, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually at studentaid.gov.

Your continued support of Southwestern University’s mission plays a critical role in allowing us to provide a transformative educational experience for our students, preparing them to become the next generation of leaders.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Leonard
Associate Vice President for Finance and Accounting