Southwestern University

Georgetown, TX · Private · 1,440 undergrads

• Admit rate: 43.0% (6,585 applicants)
• SAT middle 50%: 1130–1300 (ACT 26–30)
• Undergraduates: 1,440 (2.2% international)
• Average net price: $29,224 (per year after aid)
• Graduation rate: 73% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

• Early Decision: Nov. 3, 2026
• Early Action: Dec. 1, 2026
• Regular Decision: Feb. 2, 2027

Editor's notes

• Read the calendar carefully. Every Southwestern date is a first Tuesday, so the ED deadline is Nov. 3, 2026 and the competitive scholarship deadline is Dec. 1, 2026, the same day as early action. If you want a shot at the Brown or Garey awards, apply by Dec. 1 and book your interview well before Feb. 2.
• Your one essay carries real weight here. Southwestern's Common Data Set rates the essay very important, on the same line as grades, rigor and class rank, and there are no supplements to spread the load. Make the personal statement sound like you and nobody else.
• Going test-optional? Plan on the interview. The checklist says students who don't send scores must complete a conversational interview, and the CDS rates interviews as important. Treat it like part of the application, because it is.
• Southwestern rates level of interest as important, and the FAQ names campus visits among the things it considers. If you can't visit, an interview or a virtual session counts for something. Early decision is binding with a Jan. 5 commitment date, so use it only if Southwestern is clearly first.

Sources

1. Southwestern University, Apply
2. Southwestern University, Application checklist
3. Southwestern University, Application FAQs (first-year)
4. Southwestern University, Common Data Set 2025-2026 (PDF)
5. Southwestern University, Scholarships for first-year students
6. Southwestern University, Test-optional FAQ (PDF)
7. Common App, 2026-27 first-year requirements grid (PDF)
8. Southwestern University, The Common Data Set (institutional research)