St. Edward's University

We are intellectuals with big hearts, as passionate about learning as we are about changing the world.

We are an international community with a Catholic heritage and students (and faculty) from all faiths, all nations and all walks of life. Our identity is shaped by our location in Austin, Texas, and strengthened by our partner universities all over the world. Who we are is rooted in where we come from. Our founders, the Congregation of Holy Cross, have been educating diverse students to think critically, act ethically and strive for social justice since the 1830s. Now it’s our turn.

The people of St. Edward’s do remarkable things — alumni help students land life-changing internships, students and faculty members collaborate on mind-blowing research, and the whole community contributes thousands of hours of community service each year. And that’s just a broad overview.

St. Edward’s University is an independent Catholic university that welcomes qualified students of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs and serves a culturally diverse student body. The university’s undergraduate programs achieve a balance among the humanities, the sciences and the professions. These programs seek to make graduates competent in a chosen discipline, help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines and prepare them to further their life goals. Graduate and professional development programs enhance students’ knowledge and skills in order to prepare them to take advantage of more challenging employment opportunities.

Graduates in all programs should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions and make responsible decisions. They should be able to express themselves articulately in both oral and written form. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the human person that is derived from reason and open to faith.

The university promotes excellence in teaching and learning in an environment that encompasses innovative pedagogy in the curriculum and co-curriculum as well as engagement with the broader community. A caring faculty and staff, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process, teach the skills needed to be independent and productive. They encourage individuals to confront the critical issues of society and to seek justice and peace. Students are helped to understand themselves, clarify their personal values and recognize their responsibility to the world community. The university gives the example of its own commitment to service.

St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds.

St. Edward’s expresses its Catholic identity by communicating the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God, by stressing the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world and by providing opportunities for religious studies and participation in campus ministry. St. Edward’s seeks to provide an environment in which freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed.

At St. Edward’s University, a top liberal arts college, you’ll learn to think about the world in new ways. You’ll have to work hard, but you’ll get more out of your education. And that’s the point.

A liberal arts education means gaining a well-rounded background and set of skills that you can apply no matter where your career takes you (no matter if that’s a straight path or a winding road). Yes, you’ll specialize in a field, but you’ll study other fields as well. Scientists learn to write well, artists master the scientific method, and everyone graduates ready to tackle the most complicated problems — whether you want to save the world or get ahead in your dream career (or both).

We're seeking students who question everything, who are led by curiosity and compassion. And we'd like to get to know you, not as a numbered application (though you'll have to turn in one of those!) but as an individual. At St. Edward's, students are part of a growing and diverse learning community that prepares them to succeed in our ever-changing world. A St. Edward's education adds up to a strong return on investment and great value for your educational dollar.

Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping you develop a college financing plan that meets your needs. From the day you apply for admission to the day you graduate, your financial advisor will be there to help guide you through the financial assistance process.

Student Financial Services assists future students applying for assistance for the first time, current students renewing their assistance applications and parents interested in their child's education.

Your college transcript may be a record of where and what you study over four years. But it doesn’t begin to tell the complete story of all you learn and experience as a student in our international campus community. At St. Edward’s, you’ll find it easy to move between living, learning and making a difference, with each experience opening doors to new friendships, new interests and discovering what you stand for.