A Hilltop Haven for the Liberal Arts:
Exploring St. Edward’s University
Visited June 9th, 2025
Nestled on a scenic hilltop with stunning views of the Austin skyline, St. Edward’s University offers a unique blend of a close-knit, liberal arts environment and the vibrant opportunities of a major city. Known for its progressive Holy Cross values and as “the most welcoming campus,” it’s a place where students are encouraged to explore their passions and make a difference.
Academics and Popular Majors
St. Edward’s is an ideal environment for students who want personalized attention and the flexibility to explore different paths—it’s a great place to be undecided. The university’s curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, requiring all students to take one religion and one ethics course to foster a well-rounded perspective.
The university’s noteworthy programs include:
- Game Design: A nationally-ranked program with incredible connections to Austin’s booming tech and gaming industry.
- Performing Arts: With strong programs in theater and music, students have abundant opportunities to perform and create.
- Nursing: The university features a brand new, accredited nursing program to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
- Honors Program: This invite-only program selects about 60 students per year for a challenging curriculum that includes eight honors seminars and a senior thesis, complete with a dedicated Living Learning Community.
A unique feature is the Writing Center, which is staffed entirely by faculty, offering students one-on-one guidance. For hands-on learning, the university utilizes the nearby Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve for research and has a Next Gen research program with a USDA pipeline.
Campus and New Developments
The St. Edward’s campus is a beautiful and supportive community. Sustainability is a key focus, with a community garden that supplies fresh produce to the dining hall and a campus-wide composting program. The university is deeply committed to student well-being, offering a no-questions-asked food pantry and 24/7 walk-in mental health counseling. Students are also given permission to stay on campus during breaks, ensuring they always have a place to call home.
Student Body
St. Edward’s is known for its inclusive and diverse community. With a large international population and a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, the university fosters a welcoming environment for all. A standout initiative is the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which provides children of migrant farmworkers with full-tuition scholarships and comprehensive support. This commitment to social justice is a core part of the university’s Holy Cross mission.
Activities on Campus
Student life is active and engaging, with over 100 student organizations, as well as intramural and club sports. Campus Ministry plays an active role, and for Catholic students, two masses are offered on Sundays. While weekends on campus can be quiet, students take full advantage of their location, exploring Austin’s famous South Congress district and enjoying the city’s delicious food and live music scene.The university even offers dog therapy sessions during exam times.
Application Guidelines
St. Edward’s University uses a holistic review process.
Students can apply through the Common Application, and there is no application fee.
Key Application Components:
- High School Transcript
- Common Application Essay
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter is required, typically from a core academic teacher or a school counselor.
- Test Scores (Optional): You can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
Sources:
St. Edward’s University Website (stedwards.edu) and HECA Campus Tour and Information session