Saint Edward's University
Saint Edward's University has an acceptance rate of 81.4%, annual tuition of $51,384, average net price of $25,578, and a national rank of #595 (Grade B+), with a 62.6% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 2,493 undergraduates, and median earnings of $59,999 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Saint Edward's University is a private nonprofit university in Austin, TX. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Marketing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.7% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 54.2%, roughly 4.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Saint Edward's University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Saint Edward's University graduates 62.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 62.8% and keeps 79.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Saint Edward's University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $51,384 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,476 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,248 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,226 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $66,719 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 42.4% of Saint Edward's University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,799 to $38,389 depending on family income. Use Saint Edward's University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,687/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $38,389/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $59,999
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,826
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $24,803
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.8%
- Employment Rate 89.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Saint Edward's University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Saint Edward's University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Saint Edward's University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Saint Edward's University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Edward's University graduates earn $59,999 median four years after graduation, -1% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-630
- SAT Math 470-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,493
- Full-Time Students 95.4%
- Part-Time Students 4.6%
- Retention Rate 79.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 62.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 62.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Saint Edward's University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Saint Edward's University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 81.4%, Saint Edward's University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 81.4% acceptance rate, Saint Edward's University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 970 and 1240 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Saint Edward's University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 9.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.3%
- Biology, General 7.2%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.8%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.7%
- International/Globalization Studies 4.7%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.5%
- International Business 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $78,312
- 2. Marketing $78,050
- 3. International Business $76,497
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Science $76,093
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $72,576
- 6. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $71,684
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,712
- 8. Political Science and Government $60,291
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $60,067
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections $59,686
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $100,977
- 2. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $73,896
- 3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $71,480
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $55,361
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $78,312—31% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($59,686). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $100,977 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Saint Edward's University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 89 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 68 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (55 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- International/Global Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- International Business
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Accounting and Related Services
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Design and Applied Arts
- Security Science and Technology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- History
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Chemistry
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Public Administration
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, Other
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Services, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Graphic Communications
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Data Analytics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,493
- Full-Time Students 95.4%
- Part-Time Students 4.6%
- Male Students 40.7%
- Female Students 59.3%
- Caucasian 26.4%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 56.3%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 42.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Saint Edward's University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Saint Edward's University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Edward's University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Edward's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Edward's University has a diverse student body, with 26.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Edward's University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Edward's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Saint Edward's University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 54.2% ROI. Ranked #595 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,578 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $59,999 median earnings. With 62.6% graduating within 150% of normal time and 79.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Saint Edward's University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #595 ranking, Saint Edward's University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,578 annually, Saint Edward's University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 79.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,905 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 54.2% ROI and $59,999 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,578+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Saint Edward's University ranks #595 of 1947 institutions, with 1234 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 62.6% graduation rate sits 0.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.7% first-year retention is 2.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 54.2% return on investment is 4.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $59,999 run about 1% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $25,578 is roughly $5,499 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.5% employment rate within three years sits 21.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,578 is about $5,499 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Saint Edward's University—a private nonprofit university in Austin, TX—at B+ overall. It stands at #595 among 1962 schools Completion earns B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 79.7% of first-year students return; 62.6% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 62.8%. The reported ROI is 54.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,578 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $66,719.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $41,141 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,803 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 42.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $59,999 at the median. That sits about 1% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.5%.
The ROI comes in near 54.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Saint Edward's University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Texas campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint Edward's University's acceptance rate?
Saint Edward's University's acceptance rate is 81.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Saint Edward's University cost?
At Saint Edward's University, listed tuition and fees are $51,384 per year, and the average net price after aid is $25,578. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Saint Edward's University's ranking?
Saint Edward's University ranks #595 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Saint Edward's University's graduation rate?
At Saint Edward's University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 62.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 62.8%, and first-year retention is 79.7%.
What are Saint Edward's University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Saint Edward's University report median earnings of $59,999 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Saint Edward's University's student population?
Saint Edward's University enrolls about 2,493 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Austin, TX 78704-6489
- Website www.stedwards.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$133.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.4%