Since its founding in 1840, Southwestern University has been equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to forge success in the classroom and in their careers. Amid today’s climate, where the value of higher education has been called into question and alternative pathways continue to emerge, Southwestern is doubling down on the impact and value of a liberal arts education.

A return on investment like no other

Even as the cost of tuition rises at many higher education institutions across the country, the return on investment for an undergraduate degree cannot be overstated. In a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Georgetown University, college graduates earn 68% more in their weekly salary than those with just a high school diploma, equating to approximately $1 million more earned over their lifetimes.

On average, liberal arts graduates earn even more, making about $20,000 more per year than their counterparts who only have a high school diploma. The study revealed that top-performing students from liberal arts schools like Southwestern can earn upwards of $55,000 more each year. On top of that, Southwestern has prioritized lowering the cost of entry for students. Nearly 97% of Southwestern students receive financial aid. Every admitted first-year student is automatically eligible for a scholarship, renewable for up to eight semesters, based on their high school class rank or GPA.

Educational pathways tailored to fit all interests

While traditional liberal arts educational experiences date back centuries, Southwestern University is building upon the past with sights set squarely on the future. SU’s broad array of disciplines in the arts, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities allow students to pursue educational pathways that align with their intellectual interests. Across 50+ majors, minors, certificates, and pre-professional programs, students are building academic and practical skills that will pay dividends for the rest of their lives.

Southwestern is adapting in real time to meet the needs of today’s students. Through innovative programs and new academic partnerships, students today have never had more opportunity in front of them. Plans are underway to add health studies and mechanical engineering programs to SU’s catalog. Partnerships with leading public and private universities across the state of Texas, including Baylor, Rice, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech, are creating pathways for Southwestern alumni to pursue graduate opportunities in accounting, business, engineering, nursing, and more.

Impacts extending far beyond the classroom

In classrooms across Southwestern’s picturesque Georgetown campus, students are receiving well-rounded educational experiences that fuel their intellectual growth and enhance their sense of identity and purpose. Thanks to the University’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students are building deep connections with world-class faculty, learning from top experts in their fields, and conducting research into topics that align with their academic interests.

Outside of the classroom, students expand their horizons through immersive, high-impact learning experiences, from internships and community-engagement opportunities to faculty-mentored research projects and study abroad excursions.

Whether it’s conducting cancer research alongside leading doctors at Houston Methodist Hospital, interning for a U.S. Congressman on Capitol Hill, climbing to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with Southwestern Outdoor Adventure, or living and learning in the United Kingdom through SU London, students are building skills in communication, critical and creative thinking, adaptability, and leadership that will translate to any workplace after graduation.

Personalized support to navigate any career landscape

Upon completion of their Southwestern Experience, graduates are navigating an increasingly volatile job market with success. A recent survey determined that 97% of Southwestern alumni are employed or earning an advanced degree within one year of graduation. Southwestern students and alumni benefit from having access to the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), one of the top career centers in the nation as the Princeton Review recently ranked Southwestern #2 in the country on their “Best Career Services” list.

From the moment students first set foot on campus through graduation and beyond, the CCPD helps all Pirates navigate every facet of their post-undergraduate journey, from internships and graduate and medical school applications to resume building and job searching. Using a boutique-style approach, career coaches and academic advisors work with students one-on-one throughout their time at Southwestern to ensure success upon graduation.

This personalized attention and tailored support from faculty and staff has led to Southwestern students earning their degrees faster than their counterparts at large public universities. In fact, 89% of Southwestern students graduate in four years, nearly double the 45.3% of students at public institutions who graduate in four years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The numbers don’t lie — Southwestern alumni gain employment, begin earning a salary, and establish their careers earlier.

Deep in the heart of Texas’s booming economy

Southwestern’s ideal geographic location has also played a role in student and alumni success. Located just north of the booming Austin job market, SU offers students front-row access to the soaring tech, healthcare, legislative, and manufacturing opportunities in the Texas capital. Austin was recently ranked as the #1 metropolitan area in the United States to launch a career. Through Southwestern’s Pirate Adventures program, students have the opportunity to explore some of the top spots in Austin during their undergraduate experience, gaining valuable familiarity with the city before entering the workforce.

Through Southwestern’s Paideia approach to a liberal arts education and the individualized attention that each student receives from both the CCPD and the University’s dedicated faculty, students gain a well-rounded education and an awareness of how to navigate the constantly evolving job landscape with confidence. A liberal arts degree prepares students not just for the jobs of today, but for the careers of tomorrow. This broad foundation opens the door to more numerous job opportunities, a wider range of high-demand career fields, and a greater likelihood of professional advancement.

Around the world, SU alumni have gone on to build success in leading tech industries, serve the greater good through careers in law, become medical experts in their field, lead non-profits to new heights, create magic at Walt Disney World, produce and act in award-winning short films, head event marketing for top entertainment brands, and assist in set design for hit television shows.

Building for the future

Southwestern isn’t just talking the talk, the University is walking the walk. SU has invested over $120 million in building and renovating University facilities to ensure students can become the most successful versions of themselves.

Mood-Bridwell Hall, originally constructed in 1908, was recently renovated to add new classroom spaces that provide a state-of-the-art, 21st century learning experience. The A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center was also recently renovated, including significant upgrades to Distinctive Collections and the Professor John Score II Learning Commons, enhancing the academic journey for all Pirates.

A brand new Welcome Center, as well as first- and second-year residence halls, are currently under construction, set to welcome students in 2026 and add the latest amenities to campus, including an art gallery, cafe, theater, meeting spaces, and yoga/pilates studios.

A new multi-purpose sports complex is nearly a reality as funds have been raised to build a vibrant and inclusive facility that represents a lasting space for students, alumni, parents, and fans to gather, celebrate, and connect. Set to help bring football back to campus for the first time since 1950 and host significant University events such as Commencement, the multi-purpose sports complex cements the role of athletics and school spirit in the Southwestern Experience.

The growth doesn’t stop there. Southwestern is embarking on a generational development project, the only one of its kind in liberal arts higher education. The Southwestern University 560 is a bold, visionary development that’s transforming 560 acres right next to campus into a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and connection. Southwestern University 560 is designed to put students first, providing them with their future neighborhood, career launchpad, weekend escape, and creative playground — all in one. Planned features within the first phase of the Southwestern University 560 include a concert hall, artscape, eco gateway, mixed-use residential properties, and a boutique hotel, as well as retail, office, and research space.

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Southwestern University began its core purpose of fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity 186 years ago. Nearly two centuries later, the University remains steadfast in achieving this mission. As the higher education landscape evolves, there’s no question that a four-year degree from a top liberal arts institution like Southwestern University remains the most direct gateway to opportunity.

Learn more about why a liberal arts degree is a smart investment by visiting southwestern.edu/the-benefits.