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U.S. News #97 Private nonprofit, 4-year

Austin College

Sherman, Texas · www.austincollege.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#97

Down 13 from 2026

Acceptance rate

47.7%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$48,121

$62,072 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

1,165

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

67.2%

4-year; 6-year rate 73.0%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Austin College, located in Sherman, Texas, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. Founded in 1849, the college has a rich history and a beautiful campus that features a blend of historic and modern facilities. The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "In the Service of Humanity," which reflects its dedication to fostering a sense of responsibility and service among its students. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines, with a particular strength in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

The campus culture at Austin College is vibrant and inclusive, promoting a sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interactions with their professors, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. The college also boasts a robust athletics program, with opportunities for students to participate in a variety of sports, contributing to a balanced and healthy campus life. Additionally, Austin College has a strong commitment to experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, study abroad programs, and community service, which significantly enhances their educational experience and prepares them for successful careers after graduation. With a focus on holistic development and a supportive environment, Austin College continues to cultivate leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Analysis of Key Trends at Austin College

The data from Austin College reveals several notable trends regarding tuition, graduation rates, and student demographics over the years. One striking observation is the consistent increase in tuition costs. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $33,830 to $46,063, marking an increase of approximately 36.2%. This upward trajectory in tuition may reflect broader trends in higher education, where increasing operational costs and a decline in state funding compel institutions to raise fees, potentially burdening students and families.

In terms of graduation rates, the data shows fluctuations. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates fell from about 74% in 2013 to around 66% in 2023, highlighting a concerning trend that might suggest challenges in student retention or academic performance. The 150% graduation rate, which provides a more extended view of student success, also shows a decline, albeit less dramatic, moving from around 79% in 2013 to about 71% in 2023. These figures signal the importance of academic support and resources to enhance student outcomes.

Retention rates provide another valuable insight, revealing a more stable trend. The retention rate for undergraduates dropped slightly from approximately 77% in 2013 to 84% in 2023. This increase indicates that while the tuition rises, the college is succeeding in keeping students enrolled, which is essential for graduation success.

Lastly, the gender distribution among undergraduates has remained relatively balanced, with female students comprising slightly over 50% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This gender parity aligns with national trends in higher education, where female enrollment has increasingly outpaced male enrollment.

In summary, while Austin College shows resilience in retention and a balanced gender ratio, the rising tuition and declining graduation rates warrant further examination and strategic intervention to ensure student success and institutional sustainability.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Dallas, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 60 mi
Sherman, Texas
Academic calendar
4-1-4
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)
President
Steven P O'Day (President)
Phone
9038132000
City
Sherman, Texas
Address
900 N Grand Ave, Sherman, TX 75090-4400

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
42.2%
Women
52.6%

In 2020: men 49.0%, women 53.1%.

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#80 #85 #90 #95 #100 2024: #93 2025: #83 #83 2026: #84 2027: #97 #97 20242027

Best #83, lowest #97, latest #97 over the last ten years.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Austin College

The admission data for Austin College reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates over the years, particularly between male and female applicants. Starting in 2009, the acceptance rates for males were markedly high at about 74.3%, while for females, it stood even higher at around 80.0%. However, as the years progressed, a stark decline in acceptance rates can be observed, particularly in 2022, where the male acceptance rate dropped to approximately 41.3% and female acceptance to 43.8%. This trend reflects a broader national phenomenon where selectivity in college admissions has increased, influenced by rising application numbers and institutional efforts to enhance their academic profiles.
The number of students enrolled has also varied, with a peak of 435 enrollments in 2019 amid a backdrop of increasing denial figures, reaching as high as 2,366 in 2022. This suggests that while the college is still attracting a substantial number of applicants, the competition remains fierce, leading to a decrease in successful admissions.
Furthermore, the data indicates an increase in the number of students deferring their admissions, which may point to external factors such as economic considerations or the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' educational choices. As of 2024, the college's rank was recorded at 93, which may also affect its attractiveness to prospective students.
Overall, while Austin College continues its efforts to maintain a diverse and capable student body, the declining acceptance rates and increasing denial figures signal a more competitive landscape in higher education. This trend warrants close attention as the institution navigates the evolving challenges in admissions.

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 24% submitted SAT, 8% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1100–1310Peer median 1220
ACT composite23–29
SAT Reading
550–660
600700800
SAT Math
550–650
600700800
ACT composite
23–29
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at Austin College

The admissions data from Austin College over the years reveals significant trends in both the number of students submitting standardized test scores and their respective performance levels. One notable observation is the fluctuating percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores, which peaked at 81% in 2007 but has steadily declined to just 29% by 2023. This decrease may reflect a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.

In terms of test performance, the data shows a range of scores for both the SAT and ACT, with the 25th percentile (start) and 75th percentile (end) scores often indicating a competitive applicant pool. For example, while the SAT reading scores ranged from a low of 530 to a high of 590 over the years, the 75th percentile scores have shown an upward trend, signaling that the college is attracting stronger candidates.

Interestingly, despite the decline in the number of students submitting scores, the quality of admitted students appears to maintain a solid standard. This can be attributed to the institution's commitment to holistic admissions processes that consider various facets of an applicant's background and capabilities beyond standardized tests.

Overall, these trends at Austin College reflect a changing landscape in college admissions, where the emphasis on standardized testing is being reevaluated, and institutions are adapting to foster a more inclusive and diverse applicant pool.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 5 in 10

5,282 applicants in 2025, 47.7% admitted

2,517 admitted 2,765 not admitted Yield 14.2%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's2541 international (0.4%)
Master's190 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Psychology, General
28
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
26
Business/Commerce, General
19
Computer Science
17
Political Science and Government, General
17
Finance, General
14
History, General
10
Chemistry, General
10
Public Health, General
10
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's11 (0% international)
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching · Master's3 (0% international)
  • Art Teacher Education · Master's2 (0% international)
  • Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching · Master's1 (0% international)
  • Music Teacher Education · Master's1 (0% international)
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Trends at Austin College in 2023

The data from Austin College reveals significant insights into the distribution of graduates across various disciplines in 2023. Notably, the most popular fields for bachelor's degrees include Business, Biology, and Psychology, with 33, 30, and 26 graduates, respectively. This trend aligns with national educational patterns, where business-related degrees consistently attract substantial student interest due to their perceived job market viability.

Interestingly, the data shows a lack of international students graduating in many fields, especially at the bachelor's level, suggesting a potential area for growth in attracting global talent. Only one international student graduated in Finance, indicating that Austin College could benefit from enhancing its outreach and support for international students.

The education sector also shows promise, particularly with 6 master's degrees awarded in Secondary Education. This highlights a potential focus area for the college, given the increasing demand for qualified educators. Moreover, the absence of graduates in higher degrees for many disciplines may reflect a need for more robust graduate programs or could indicate that students are opting for career pathways immediately after their bachelor's degrees.

In light of the increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and the demand for skills in technology and data analysis, Austin College may want to explore the expansion of programs in these areas. Overall, the graduating trends indicate a strong foundation in traditional disciplines while also pointing to potential opportunities for growth and diversification in response to evolving market needs.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Biologyhas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Neuroscience.-
Businesshas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business/Commerce, General.-
Finance, General.$52,547
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Social sciencehas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.$37,949
International Economics.$37,949
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.$31,532
Sociology, General.-
Psychology has 28 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$39,256
Educationhas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.$56,800
Secondary Education and Teaching.$56,800
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$56,800
Art Teacher Education.-
Music Teacher Education.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Computer and information sciencehas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Physical scienceshas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Health professionshas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Health, General.$38,129
Health Services Administration.$38,129
History has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
English has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Communication has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Communication, General.$16,142
Mass Communication/Media Studies.$16,142
Foreign languages has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
French Language and Literature.$22,533
Spanish Language and Literature.$22,533
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.-
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.-
Visual and Performing artshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Cultural has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
East Asian Studies.-
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.-
Natural resources has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.-

Students

1,217 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 49:51 · Freshman retention 79.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,165)

White
547 · 47.0%
Hispanic
333 · 28.6%
Asian
106 · 9.1%
Black
93 · 8.0%
Two or more races
62 · 5.3%
International
10 · 0.9%
Unknown
7 · 0.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.8%
18–19
48.9%
20–21
42.6%
22–24
6.5%
25 and over
1.2%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.9%
22–24
78.8%
25–29
15.4%
30–34
0.0%
35 and over
0.0%

Data insights

Austin College Student Demographics in 2023

In 2023, Austin College showcases a diverse student body with significant representation across various demographics. The undergraduate new students, totaling 330, consist of 54.2% males and 45.8% females, indicating a fairly balanced gender ratio. This balance is further reflected among the undergraduate continuing students, where females constitute 52.5% of the 802 total students.

The breakdown of the ethnic composition reveals interesting trends. Among the new students, 156 are White, making up approximately 47.3% of that group, while the representation of other ethnicities, such as Asian and Latino, adds to the multicultural fabric of the college. The undergraduate transfer students, although fewer in number with only 34, exhibit a higher male percentage at 55.9%, signaling a potential trend in the demographics of students transferring into the college.

The graduate student population, albeit smaller with only 15 students, is predominantly female at 66.7%. This may reflect a broader trend in graduate education, where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees. The overall student composition hints at the ongoing efforts by educational institutions to foster inclusivity and diversity, aligning with national trends in higher education where diverse backgrounds enrich the learning environment.

As institutions continue to navigate the challenges presented by the global landscape, understanding and adapting to these demographic shifts is essential for promoting a supportive and equitable academic community.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Austin College in 2023

The age distribution data of students at Austin College in 2023 reveals some interesting patterns regarding the demographics of the student body. The largest segment of the population is concentrated in the 18-19 age bracket, accounting for 53.3% of the total male students and 56.9% of female students. This indicates a strong presence of traditional-aged college students, which is typical for many institutions of higher education in the United States.

As students progress in age, the numbers begin to decline significantly. For example, the age group of 20-21 comprises 31.5% of male students and 29.9% of female students. This trend continues into the 22-24 age range, where male and female representation drops further, highlighting a common phenomenon in higher education where students may take time off or switch to part-time study.

The data also shows a stark contrast between the younger and older age groups. Only a handful of students fall into the categories of 25-29 and 30-34, suggesting that Austin College may attract primarily younger students, which could be indicative of its academic programs and campus culture.

Moreover, the absence of graduate males in the younger age categories (18-19 and 20-21) aligns with the typical educational trajectory, where individuals often complete their undergraduate degrees before pursuing graduate studies.

Overall, the age distribution at Austin College reflects trends seen across many colleges and universities in the U.S., emphasizing a demographic heavily skewed towards younger, undergraduate students, which is important for understanding the institution's educational environment and student engagement strategies.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.9%

10 in 2025 · 3.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.1%2017: 2.9%2018: 2.4%2019: 1.9%2020: 1.2%2021: 1.9%2022: 1.5%2023: 1.2%2024: 1.2%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 6.3%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Austin College

The data on international student enrollment at Austin College reveals a noticeable decline over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduates fluctuated but ultimately fell from 2.55% to just 1.20%. The total number of undergraduate students has not seen significant growth, with figures hovering around the mid-1200s to early 1300s, indicating a potential stagnation in overall enrollment.

The trend for graduate students is even more concerning. Although there is a one-year entry with a reported percentage of 6.25% in 2017, the lack of consistent data for graduate international students makes it difficult to draw a comprehensive conclusion. However, the absence of substantial data from 2004 to 2022 suggests that the graduate program may not be attracting international students effectively.

This decline in international student numbers mirrors a broader trend seen across many institutions in the United States, particularly post-pandemic. Factors contributing to this trend include increased competition from global universities, changes in visa regulations, and geopolitical tensions that affect students' decisions to study abroad.

It is crucial for Austin College to assess these trends and develop targeted strategies to enhance its appeal to international students. This could involve improved support services, scholarships, and establishing partnerships with foreign institutions. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, institutions must adapt to maintain and grow their international student populations.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$62,072

Undergraduate tuition
$48,121
Room and board
$13,951
Graduate tuition
$60,300
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 18%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$64.8M

Investment return
$20.8M32.2%
Tuition and fees
$15.9M24.6%
Gifts and private grants
$14.6M22.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$11.2M17.3%
Government grants and contracts
$2.2M3.4%

Expenses$49.3M

Instruction
$20.1M40.8%
Institutional support
$12.3M24.9%
Student services
$10.0M20.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.7M9.6%
Academic support
$1.8M3.7%
Research
$314K0.6%
Public service
$10K0.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$77,595peers $65,931
Professor
$93,583peers $77,501
Associate professor
$78,375peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$70,506peers $61,725
Instructor
$47,855peers $53,914

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football100-
Soccer4240
Baseball61-
Water Polo2124
Basketball1718
Swimming1512
Softball-22
Volleyball-18
Tennis67
Other Sports--
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football89-
Soccer3332
Baseball46-
Basketball1820
Water Polo1919
Swimming1410
Volleyball-23
Softball-21
Tennis75
Other Sports--
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football98-
Soccer3820
Baseball46-
Basketball1816
Water Polo1816
Swimming and Diving (combined)1113
Other Sports318
Volleyball-20
Softball-18
Tennis99

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Austin College:

  1. The University of Texas at Austin - Ranked 32nd in the 2024 US News rankings, this prominent university is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Southern Methodist University - With a ranking of 89, this university offers a rich array of programs and is located in Dallas, Texas.

  3. Texas Christian University - This university is ranked 98th and is known for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education within a supportive community.

  4. Baylor University - Ranked 93rd, Baylor is a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, recognized for its rigorous academic programs.

  5. The University of Texas at Dallas - This university holds the 115th rank and is distinguished for its research initiatives and strong STEM programs.

  6. Texas A & M University-College Station - As a top-ranked institution at 47th, Texas A&M is known for its engineering and agricultural programs.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
38
Liquor referrals
26
Rape
3
Fondling
3
Burglary
3
Dating violence
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Austin College

The crime data from Austin College over the past decade reveals a noticeable downward trend in the crime rate per 1,000 students. In 2013, the crime rate was quite high at 27.62 incidents per 1,000 students, which has since decreased significantly to just 10.49 incidents per 1,000 students in 2023. This reduction represents a decline of approximately 62% over the span of ten years, indicating a substantial improvement in campus safety.

Examining the specific types of incidents, it appears that arrests related to drug offenses and alcohol-related arrests have been predominant in earlier years. However, the overall number of these incidents has also diminished over time. For instance, in 2019, the total crime rate peaked at 30.71 per 1,000 students, but this has gradually declined each subsequent year, suggesting that the college may have implemented effective preventive measures or educational programs aimed at reducing substance-related offenses.

In light of broader societal contexts, the decreasing crime rates at Austin College align with national trends emphasizing campus safety and crime prevention strategies in higher education institutions. Colleges across the United States are increasingly focusing on creating safer environments for students, which may include enhanced security measures, increased awareness campaigns, and supportive resources for students in need.

Overall, the data reflects positively on the efforts made by Austin College to foster a safer campus environment, contributing to the overall well-being of its student body. For further information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Austin College include Lance Armstrong (Former road cyclist stripped of seven Tour titles), Henry Winkler (Actor known as Fonzie in Happy Days) and Marshall Applewhite (Founder of the Heaven's Gate movement).

More alumni (13, by field)

Politics and law

Science and academia

  • Ivy Hooks 1941–2026

    Mathematician and engineer at NASA

    Also attended: University of Houston, Southwestern University

  • Lydia Bean 1985–

    Social scientist and owner of consulting firm Equipa

    Bachelor's degree · Spanish, Music · Class of 2002

    Also attended: Harvard University

  • Homer Rainey 1896–1985

    President of the University of Texas at Austin, 1939–1944

Arts and media

Sports

  • Jim Buchanan 1876–1949

    Professional baseball pitcher

    Also attended: Midland University

  • Joe Coomer 1917–1979

    NFL lineman for the Steelers and Cardinals

  • Gene Babb 1934–2018

    NFL fullback and linebacker

Other fields

  • Carroll Pickett 1933–2022

    Presbyterian minister in Huntsville, Texas

    Also attended: Victoria College

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.