Catholic university in Austin rooted in Holy Cross tradition, ranked #5 in the West by U.S. News.
St. Edward's offers more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees through the Schools of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Education, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and The Bill Munday School of Business. The university provides 8 master's degree programs and is known for its Theater Arts program, which holds a U/RTA contract with Actors' Equity Association. In 2025, U.S. News ranked St. Edward's #5 in Regional Universities West, #2 in Undergraduate Teaching, and #3 in Best Value Schools. The university also operates a portal campus in Angers, France, in partnership with the Catholic University of the West.
The 155-acre hilltop campus sits three miles from downtown Austin and houses over 1,500 students across seven residence halls and three apartment communities. As of fall 2023, the student body was approximately 60% female and 40% male, with 2,731 undergraduates. Students engage in over 100 campus organizations, including service groups, honor societies, and cultural clubs. The campus represents 63 countries and 37 states, with 24 languages and 34 faith traditions represented. Recent campus improvements include The Munday Library (2013), John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Centers, and a residential village.
St. Edward's welcomes applications from first-year, transfer, international, and graduate students through multiple platforms including the Common Application, ApplyTexas, and the university's own online application. For fall 2023, the university admitted 84% of applicants, with 14% of those admitted choosing to enroll. The university emphasizes a student-first approach and considers the full applicant profile.
The Hilltoppers compete in NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference (joined 2019), sponsoring 16 varsity teams including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, cross country, track & field, and STUNT. Since 2013, 66 student-athletes have earned All-American honors. The university has a strong tradition of alumni success, with notable graduates including former Panama President Laurentino Cortizo, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and various artists, athletes, and public servants.