College Highlight

Austin College

The second most famous institution in Texas with Austin in its name. Half the size of Trinity (TX), runs neck and neck with Southwestern to be the leading small liberal arts college in Texas. Combines the liberal arts with strong programs in business, education, science, and health, including premed. The college is just north of Dallas.

The college was founded by a Presbyterian missionary in 1849, and its continuous ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA) are evident in the emphasis on values in core courses and high participation in service activities. Professors here even serve students breakfast at 10 p.m. the night before finals. It's just another example of the personal style that is typical of this charming Southern institution, which also boasts pre-professional programs, most notably premed, that are among the strongest in the state.

Austin College's 100-acre campus is in a residential area in the city of Sherman. The campus is designed in the traditional quadrangle style and comprises beige brick buildings, tree-lined plazas, decorative fountains, and an impressive 70-ton sculptured solstice calendar. Residence halls are conveniently located approximately 200 yards from most classrooms, which eases the pain of early morning classes. The IDEA Center for hands-on learning in the sciences features laboratory classrooms as well as a $1 million, 24-inch telescope and astronomical image camera in the building's domed observatory.

The core curriculum begins with a first-year seminar. Each professor who teaches the course becomes the mentor for the 20 freshmen in his or her class. Then students select from courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as classes that focus on writing skills and quantitative literacy. Students must complete one major and a minor or a double major to graduate. Additionally, all students satisfy an applied learning requirement by completing an internship, practicum, or similar experience. During the January term, students focus on just one course, and many use that time to study abroad or undertake off-campus internships. "JanTerm classes provide terrific opportunities to pursue innovative or nontraditional academics," explains a political science and history major.

When it comes time to apply to grad school, premed, pre-dentistry, and pre-law students at this little college have some of the highest acceptance rates of any Texas school. Those interested in medicine benefit from strong programs in biochemistry and public health. The noteworthy Austin Teacher Program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. Biology, psychology, business administration, and political science are the most popular majors. The Jordan Family Language House is home to 48 students studying Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, along with a native speaker of each language, and students speak the language in all common areas. A new major in engineering physics is available, as is a minor in data science and analytics. A cooperative engineering program links the college with other schools. Students with varied interests can combine three of AC's majors into an interdisciplinary degree.

Of the academic climate, a chemistry major says, "It is competitive enough to push you to do the best work you can, yet very collaborative through working with peers on group projects, lab assignments, research experiences, and other tasks." Sixty percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students. "Teachers always make time for students, they're approachable, and the mentor program really helps when it comes to registering for classes and looking for summer research programs or internships," says a student. The college also offers independent study and departmental honors programs. The Posey Leadership Institute offers seminars and courses, and a minor in leadership studies is available. AC also provides five research areas in Grayson County. Forty-two percent of students conduct faculty-mentored undergraduate research, and 60 percent study abroad. The Global Outreach fellowship program gives 10 to 15 students the chance to volunteer in educational programs around the world.

Students say there is a wide range of political views, but the campus tends to lean liberal. AC offers merit scholarships worth an average of $25,000 but no athletic scholarships.

Eighty-four percent of undergraduates live on campus, and all are required to do so for their first three years. "All of the housing on campus is extremely comfortable," a biology major says. Residence halls are co-ed, except for one all-female and one all-male dorm. Juniors and seniors choose from suites, flats, and cottages. Dean Hall is a popular choice for freshmen, despite (or perhaps because of) its reputation as being loud and social. As for campus dining, "The staff here is amazing," cheers one student. "They always have smiles on their faces and aren't afraid to save you an extra cookie." The Pouch Club, an on-campus joint, serves pizza and burgers, as well as beer and wine for those students 21 and over. Students report feeling safe on campus thanks to thorough campus security and sexual assault prevention programs.

Most of the social life is either on or near campus. "There is always something to do on campus, from smaller activities and club meetings to big dinners and guest speakers," a junior says. Eighteen percent of the men and 22 percent of the women belong to local fraternities and sororities, respectively, but the Greeks are not school-funded and are not allowed to advertise off-campus parties without the college's permission. "Greek organizations set the tone for parties but not social life," explains an English major. Students can have alcohol in their rooms if they are 21 or older. Mega Texas is a campus carnival in the fall, and Kangapalooza brings a big-name musician to campus in the spring.
At this college with roots in the Presbyterian Church, students praise the pre-professional programs and the intimate, supportive environment. "Austin College cares for each student, and no one falls through the cracks," says a senior. "If you need help, often before you need it, people are reaching out to provide it to you." And while Sherman may seem to be a sleepy little place, Austin College is definitely hoppin'.