You’ve probably heard about UT Austin, but how much do you know about St. Edward’s University? St. Edward’s, or St. Ed’s as the locals call it, is a small private Catholic university right in the heart of Texas’ capital city. It’s not just smart kids in polo shirts walking around a manicured quad, though. This is Austin, so St. Ed’s has a funky, eclectic vibe all its own. In this guide to all things St. Ed’s, you’ll get the inside scoop on academics, sports, student life, and more at this cool under-the-radar university. Let’s dive in and find out why St. Ed’s might be the hidden gem you’re looking for in the Austin college scene.
An Overview of St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX
St. Edward’s University is a private Catholic university located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1877, St. Edward’s is a historic liberal arts university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The campus sits on a hilltop in south Austin, providing gorgeous views of the city skyline.
Academics
St. Edward’s offers over 50 undergraduate majors and minors as well as several master’s degree programs. Popular majors include business, education, psychology, and digital media. St. Edward’s is also home to the Bill Munday School of Business and the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
The university has a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1, so you’ll get to know your professors well. St. Edward’s values small class sizes for a personalized education. Internship and study abroad opportunities are also available to provide hands-on experience in your field of study.
Campus Life
Life at St. Edward’s revolves around the close-knit community. Over 60 student organizations and clubs are available to get involved in, from academic clubs to sports teams to Greek life. St. Edward’s has over a dozen NCAA Division II sports teams that compete in the Lone Star Conference. School spirit is huge at sporting events and other campus traditions.
The campus has residence halls, apartments, and townhomes to provide a variety of living options. With Austin’s live music, food, outdoor spaces only minutes away, you’ll never run out of things to do. St. Edward’s location provides the perfect combination of a traditional college campus feel within a bustling city.
Whether you’re looking for a faith-based, liberal arts education or just want to experience life in Austin, St. Edward’s University has something for everyone. With small class sizes, a tight-knit community, and big city surroundings, St. Edward’s fosters an environment for you to learn, grow, and thrive.
Academics at St. Edward’s: Majors, Minors and Degree Programs
At St. Edward’s, you’ll find over 50 majors and minors to choose from across four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and the School of Professional Studies. No matter what field of study piques your interest, St. Edward’s has you covered.
The School of Arts and Sciences
The School of Arts and Sciences is home to many popular majors like Digital Media, English, and Psychology. You’ll also find unique majors here like Forensic Science, Sustainable Enterprise and International Studies. Minors range from Creative Writing and Film Studies to Biology and Philosophy. With over 20 majors and 30 minors, you’re sure to find an area of study that matches your strengths and interests.
The School of Business
For those interested in business, accounting, marketing or management, the School of Business offers programs like Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and of course, Business Administration. You can pair any major with a minor in Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management or Project Management. The school also offers accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s degree programs in Accounting and Business Administration.
The School of Education
Future teachers will want to explore the School of Education. Majors include Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education. You’ll have the opportunity to select a minor in Bilingual Education, Reading Education or Education Technology to complement your degree. The school also provides alternative teacher certification programs if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.
The School of Professional Studies
The School of Professional Studies provides career-focused programs for adults returning to college. Degrees offered include Nursing, Applied Science in Organizational Leadership, and Criminal Justice. For those already with a bachelor’s degree, the school offers accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s programs in Nursing, Healthcare Administration and Criminal Justice Administration.
With a variety of innovative majors, minors and programs across four schools, St. Edward’s has the perfect area of study for you. You’re sure to find your niche and pursue your passion.
Student Life on Campus at St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University has a vibrant campus life with over 60 student organizations and clubs to get involved in. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in student government, joining a fraternity or sorority, getting involved in community service, or pursuing hobbies like photography or gaming.
Living On Campus
Over 60% of St. Edward’s students live in the 11 residence halls on campus. Living on campus allows you to be fully immersed in campus life and form close-knit communities with your fellow students. Most freshman live in Basil Hall, but upperclassmen can choose from apartment-style dorms like Main Hall or more traditional residence halls.
Dining Options
St. Edward’s has several dining options on campus, including the Main Dining Room, Hilltop Cafe, and Holy Grounds Coffee Bar. The Main Dining Room features homestyle cooking, a salad bar, and international fare. Hilltop Cafe offers grab-and-go items like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Holy Grounds Coffee Bar is a popular spot for meeting friends or studying over coffee, smoothies, and pastries.
Athletics and Recreation
Even though St. Edward’s is a small school, it has 13 NCAA Division II sports teams and an active intramural sports program. Students can attend Hilltopper basketball, soccer and volleyball games for free. The Wellness Center features cardio and weight training equipment, a climbing wall, and group fitness classes. Outdoor recreational activities are also popular, like kayaking on Lake Austin or hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Traditions and Events
Some of the most cherished traditions at St. Edward’s are ringing the Victory Bell after sports wins, decorating the campus at Christmas, and attending the annual Black and White Ball. Major events include Hillfest, a huge end-of-year music festival, Family Weekend, and Convocation, a celebration to kick off the new academic year.
With a vibrant campus life, close-knit community, and school spirit, student life at St. Edward’s University has something for everyone. Between academics, extracurriculars, and making lifelong friends, your college experience at St. Edward’s is sure to be meaningful and memorable.
Athletics and Extracurriculars at St. Edward’s
St. Edward’s University has a lot to offer outside the classroom. They have 16 NCAA Division II sports teams, intramural sports, over 100 student organizations, and plenty of ways to get involved on campus.
Athletics
St. Edward’s Hilltoppers compete in the Lone Star Conference. Their sports teams include:
Baseball
Men’s and women’s basketball
Men’s and women’s cross country
Football
Men’s and women’s golf
Soccer
Softball
Men’s and women’s tennis
Men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field
Volleyball
Most sporting events are free for students, so grab your friends and go cheer on the Hilltoppers!
Clubs and Organizations
With over 100 student organizations, there’s something for everyone at St. Edward’s. Some options include:
Campus Ministry
Hilltopper Band
International Student Association
Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
Model United Nations
Philosophy Club
Pre-Law Society
Program Board (plans events and activities)
Student Government Association
And many more!
No matter your interests or hobbies, you’re sure to find like-minded people and opportunities to get involved. Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to make new friends, gain valuable experience, and become an engaged member of the St. Edward’s community.
St. Edward’s University provides a well-rounded college experience through athletics, clubs, organizations, and events on campus. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you and make the most of your time as a Hilltopper!
St. Edward’s University Admissions: What It Takes to Get In
Getting into St. Edward’s University is challenging but achievable if you meet their admission standards. This private Catholic university accepts about 70% of applicants. To give yourself the best shot at joining the Hilltoppers, focus on the following:
GPA
St. Edward’s University considers applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA, but the typical admitted student has around a 3.5 or higher. They want to see mostly A’s and B’s, especially in your junior and senior years. Don’t be discouraged if you had a rough start in high school—colleges like to see an upward trend in your grades. Consider retaking certain classes or doing credit recovery to boost your GPA.
Standardized Test Scores
St. Edward’s University is test optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission consideration. However, if you do well on these exams, your scores may strengthen your application. For those submitting scores, the middle 50% of admitted students earned between 1010 to 1190 on the SAT and 20 to 26 on the ACT.
Extracurricular Activities
Colleges like students who are involved in their school and community. Participate in clubs, sports teams, volunteering, internships, or work experience. Pursue your interests and passions outside the classroom. Leadership roles and awards will make you a more attractive candidate.
Admissions Essays
The application requires two essays: the Common App essay and a St. Edward’s University-specific essay. Your essays are a chance to show your personality and fit with the school’s mission. Discuss your values, experiences, goals, and why St. Edward’s is the right place for you. Have others review your essays to ensure they are compelling and error-free.
If St. Edward’s University sounds like the right place for you, make sure you meet their admission criteria, submit a strong application including optional SAT/ACT scores and essays, and you’ll be touring campus in no time! With the right preparation, you’ve got this. Go Hilltoppers!
St. Edward’s University Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
St. Edward’s University is a private Catholic university, so tuition and fees are on the higher side. For the 2020-2021 school year, tuition is $44,550. Room and board will add another $12,900. However, St. Edward’s provides substantial financial aid, including both merit-based and need-based scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic achievement, special talents, community service, and other accomplishments. The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition for four years. The Dean’s Scholarship provides $20,000 per year. Other merit scholarships range from $8,000 to $18,000 annually.
Need-based grants are available for those who demonstrate financial need. The St. Edward’s Grant awards up to $25,000 per year based on the FAFSA. Federal grants like the Pell Grant and FSEOG Grant are also options.
Student employment allows you to earn money for college expenses. Campus jobs pay at least $10/hour. Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for those with financial need.
Loans, like the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and private student loans can help pay for college costs. Federal loans have fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Private loans typically have higher interest rates and less flexibility.
To apply for aid, submit the FAFSA form as early as October 1st each year. St. Edward’s priority deadline is March 1st for maximum consideration for all aid programs. Meet with the financial aid office to discuss your options and next steps.
Paying for college is challenging but St. Edward’s University aims to make higher education accessible and affordable. With a variety of scholarships, grants, student jobs, and loans available, the actual cost of attending St. Edward’s may end up being lower than the sticker price suggests. Be sure to explore all opportunities to find funding that fits your needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the lowdown on St. Edward’s University in Austin. As a mid-sized Catholic university, it offers small classes and a community vibe while still providing strong programs across liberal arts, sciences, business, and more. With a diverse student population and commitment to service learning, St. Ed’s encourages students to grow intellectually, spiritually and ethically during their college years. Located in the vibrant city of Austin, the school also lets you tap into all that the capital of Texas has to offer. If you’re looking for a balanced college experience that mixes academic rigor, self-discovery and fun, St. Edward’s could be a place to call home for the next four years.