Southwestern University
Southwestern University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southwestern University at a Glance
Southwestern University is a private liberal arts university located in Georgetown, Texas. Established in 1840, it holds the distinction of being both the oldest college or university in Texas, and having maintained continuous, unbroken operation since its founding. While the institution evolved through a 1873 union of four earlier colleges, it remains the state's oldest academic lineage. This uninterrupted history, originating with the chartering of Rutersville College, also establishes Southwe…
1840
186 years old
$404M
$403.6 million (2024)
1,515
386
700 acres
Identity
Is Southwestern University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Southwestern University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,878 — 6% above average — while paying $29,224/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Southwestern University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southwestern University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #15 of 31 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wofford College | 76 | $18,732 | $68,964 |
| #2 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #3 | Illinois Wesleyan University | 49 | $28,199 | $70,871 |
| #4 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #5 | Hampden-Sydney College | 48 | $22,400 | $67,640 |
| #6 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #15 | Southwestern University | 35 | $29,224 | $56,878 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southwestern University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in TX.
Best Programs at Southwestern University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Southwestern University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,224/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Georgetown, TX
- Student Body
- 1,440 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,224
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,878
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000