Higher Learning

Once named one of the top five intellectual capitals in the nation by Fortune Magazine, Austin, Texas has many area institutions dedicated to furthering the development of the adult mind. It is estimated that over 100,000 local individuals are enrolled in one or more of the area colleges or universities, with over half of that number attending the University of Texas. The appetite Austin residents have for learning never seems to diminish, and the quality of education the immediate area has to offer only fuels that desire, adding to the quality and richness of life found by those who call Austin home.

In order of size:

The University of Texas at Austin (link)
Office of the Registrar
Main Bldg., Rooms 61 & 16, 78712
(512) 475-7575
UT Austin means many things to many people. It claims status as being the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, as well as the nation’s largest single campus university with a 2004–2005 enrollment of 48,000, and UT-Austin is also the largest employer in the city with more than 21,000 workers. Academic programs consist of 15 colleges and schools, the Graduate School and the Division of Continuing Education, which together offer more than 100 undergraduate degree programs, 170 graduate programs and 50 honors programs. Highlights of the UT-Austin education programs include 10 doctoral programs being ranked among the best in the nation, the fifth largest academic library on campus and excellent faculty with scores of prestigious awards including Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, the National Medal of Science and many others. Distinguished alumni include Lady Bird Johnson, Walter Cronkite, Bill Moyers, Federico Pena and Lloyd Bentsen.

Austin Community College (link)
5930 Middle Fiskville Road
(512) 223-7000
ACC offers a wide range of courses catering to diverse segments of the Austin population. More than 26,000 students attend seven permanent campuses scattered around the city, while another 15,000 students are enrolled in noncredit courses. Programs include two-year associate degrees and one-year certificates in 137 majors. Students’ choices include 66 applied sciences, 16 arts, 14 sciences and 41 college credit certificates. ACC continues to grow and develop while consistently receiving high praise for the quality of the curriculum combined with the ease of enrollment and affordability of its tuition.

Texas State University (link)
601 University Drive., San Marcos
(512) 245-2111
A short 35 mile drive south of Austin, in the town of San Marcos sits this public, four year university which also happens to be the alma mater of former President Lyndon Johnson. Southwest Texas State provides its current enrollment of more than 20,000 students with 105 undergraduate majors and 88 graduate programs. Major areas of study include teacher education, liberal arts, fine arts, business and health care training. Recently, Southwest Texas State opened a satellite campus in Round Rock at the Westwood High Community School.

St. Edward’s University (link)
3001 South Congress Avenue
(512) 448-8400
Created in 1873 as a primary school, St. Edward’s started its first year of instruction with only 3 pupils. Now a historical landmark, this private Roman Catholic university currently offers graduate and undergraduate degrees to a little more than 3100 students. It is a liberal arts school whose undergraduate curriculum has been deemed among the most rigorous in the nation by the Carnegie Foundation. Students here can choose from over 30 different undergraduate degree programs as well as graduate programs in business administration and human services.

Southwestern University (link)
1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown
(512) 863-6511
Considered by many to be one of the best unknown universities in the nation, Southwestern University holds the distinction of being the first institution of higher learning in Texas. This private, four year University has received high praise for its liberal arts programs, it’s academic excellence and it’s adherence to high admissions standards. Enrollment is little more than 1,200 undergraduate students, the majority pursuing majors in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and fine arts.

Concordia University at Austin (link)
3400 N. IH- 35
(512) 486-2000
This private university is owned by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however the enrollment, just under 800, is made up of those from diverse Christian and non-Christian backgrounds alike. The Austin campus is one of 10 across the nation and offers 16 majors in business, education and liberal arts along with pre-professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine and the seminary. Concordia also has an adult degree program, which includes evening and televised courses.

Huston-Tillotson College (link)
900 Chicon Street
(512) 505-3000
Located in East Austin on 23 acres of rolling hills that overlook downtown, Huston-Tillotson College serves approximately 650 students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Courses offered are housed under five divisions: business, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and education. The college has notable programs in chemistry, African-American studies, sociology, biology and teacher preparations. Historically an African-American college, and the city of Austin’s oldest institution of higher learning, the Huston-Tillotson of today is a center for cultural and community involvement for the majority of Austin’s east side neighborhoods.

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