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A mid-sized, private, Catholic liberal arts institution in Austin, TX, Saint Edward’s University is known for its intellectual and academic rigor, as well as its deep connections to the city of Austin. Established in 1877, Saint Edward’s shares a founder with the University of Notre Dame, Reverend Edward Sorin, who was head of the Congregation of the Holy Cross at the time. Named for Saint Edward the Confessor, Reverend Sorin’s patron saint, Saint Edward’s University was originally a men’s college until merging with women’s college Maryhill College in 1977. In the 21st century a bold plan to double the student body and faculty successfully brought Saint Edward’s national recognition, including top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s best regional colleges in the West.
Academic Programs
As a Holy Cross university, Saint Edward’s makes academic excellence and integrity a hallmark of its curriculum. A Saint Edward’s education is based around the traditional values and emphases of the liberal arts, balancing humanities, sciences, and professional studies. In the liberal arts heritage, that means an emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and ethics. Saint Edward’s has also earned recognition as the top producer of Fulbright Scholars in its class, while 72% of students take on internships during their college career.Saint Edward’s makes further emphasis on instilling students with a global perspective, both in the classroom and around the world in study abroad opportunities, as well as their partner campus in Angers, France. Students take on experiences around the world, including Central Asia, Europe, and Africa, while a large number of international students bring the world to Saint Edward’s. Austin, TX, is also a noted international community, giving students access to a global perspective at home.
Student Life
Saint Edward’s has more than 5000 students from across the US and 58 nations, a highly diverse group that brings an impressive degree of experience and cultural knowledge to student life. For a small campus, Saint Edward’s has an incredible wealth of student life opportunities, with more than 130 official clubs and organizations. That includes compelling art, music, and theater groups on campus, such as the Ballet Folklorico, singing ensembles, and the Saint Edward’s Orchestra.Of course, Saint Edward’s is located in Austin, TX, one of the most dynamic cities in the nation, with an improbable selection of music, film, theater, and arts events every day and night of the year. Students at Saint Edward’s are located just minutes from the heart of Austin, and walking distance to the South Congress district for easy access to major national and international events such as SXSW, the Austin City Limits Festival, and more. From the Hilltop to 9th Street, student life at Saint Edward’s is potentially as exciting as any one person can stand.